(a) The Secretary enters into agreements with a guaranty agency whose loan guarantee program meets the requirements of this subpart. The agreements enable the guaranty agency to participate in the FFEL programs and to receive the various payments and benefits related to that participation.

(b) There are four agreements:

(1) Basic program agreement. In order to participate in the FFEL programs, a guaranty agency must have a basic program agreement. Under this agreement—

(i) Borrowers whose Stafford or Consolidation loans are guaranteed by the agency may qualify for interest benefits that are paid to the lender on the borrower's behalf under § 682.301; and

(ii) Lenders under the guaranty agency program may receive special allowance payments from the Secretary and have death, disability, bankruptcy, closed school and false certification discharge claims paid by the Secretary through the guaranty agency.

(2) Federal advances for claim payments agreement. A guaranty agency must have an agreement for Federal advances for claim payments to receive and use Federal advances to pay default claims.

(3) Reinsurance agreement. A guaranty agency must have a reinsurance agreement to receive reimbursement from the Secretary for its losses on default claims.

(4) Loan Rehabilitation Agreement. A guaranty agency must have an agreement for rehabilitating a loan for which the Secretary has made a reinsurance payment under section 428(c)(1) of the Act.

(c) The Secretary's execution of an agreement does not indicate acceptance of any current or past standards or procedures used by the agency.

(d) All of the agreements are subject to subsequent changes in the Act, in other applicable Federal statutes, and in regulations that apply to the FFEL programs.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1072,1078,1078,1078,1082,1087,1087-1) [57 FR 60323,Dec. 18, 1992, as amended at 59 FR 33353, June 28, 1994; 64 FR 18978, Apr. 16, 1999; 64 FR 58627, Oct. 29, 1999; 78 FR 65814, Nov. 1, 2013]

(a) General. In order to participate in the FFEL programs, a guaranty agency shall enter into a basic agreement with the Secretary.

(b) Terms of agreement. In the basic agreement, the guaranty agency shall agree to ensure that its loan guarantee program meets the following requirements at all times:

(1) Reinstatement of borrower eligibility. Except as provided in § 668.35(b) for a borrower with a defaulted loan on which a judgment has been obtained and § 668.35(i) for a borrower who fraudulently obtained title IV, HEA program assistance, reinstatement of Title IV eligibility for a borrower with a defaulted loan must be in accordance with this paragraph (b)(1). For a borrower's loans held by a guaranty agency on which a reinsurance claim has been paid by the Secretary, the guaranty agency must afford a defaulted borrower, upon the borrower's request, renewed eligibility for Title IV assistance once the borrower has made satisfactory repayment arrangements as that term is defined in § 682.200.

(i) For purposes of this section, the determination of reasonable and affordable must—

(A) Include consideration of the borrower's and spouse's disposable income and necessary expenses including, but not limited to, housing, utilities, food, medical costs, dependent care costs, work-related expenses and other Title IV repayment;

(B) Not be a required minimum payment amount, e.g. $50, if the agency determines that a smaller amount is reasonable and affordable based on the borrower's total financial circumstances. The agency must include documentation in the borrower's file of the basis for the determination, if the monthly reasonable and affordable payment established under this section is less than $50.00 or the monthly accrued interest on the loan, whichever is greater.

(C) Be based on the documentation provided by the borrower or other sources including, but not limited to—

(1) Evidence of current income (e.g. proof of welfare benefits, Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income, Workers' Compensation, child support, veterans' benefits, two most recent pay stubs, most recent copy of U.S. income tax return, State Department of Labor reports);

(2) Evidence of current expenses (e.g. a copy of the borrower's monthly household budget, on a form provided by the guaranty agency); and

(3) A statement of the unpaid balance on all FFEL loans held by other holders.

(ii) A borrower may request that the monthly payment amount be adjusted due to a change in the borrower's total financial circumstances upon providing the documentation specified in paragraph (b)(4)(i)(C) of this section.

(iii) A guaranty agency must provide the borrower with a written statement of the reasonable and affordable payment amount required for the reinstatement of the borrower's eligibility for Title IV student assistance, and provide the borrower with an opportunity to object to those terms.

(iv) A guaranty agency must provide the borrower with written information regarding the possibility of loan rehabilitation if the borrower makes three additional reasonable and affordable monthly payments after making payments to regain eligibility for Title IV assistance and the consequences of loan rehabilitation.

(v) A guaranty agency must inform the borrower that he or she may only obtain reinstatement of borrower eligibility under this section once.

(2) Lender eligibility. (i) An eligible lender may participate in the program of the agency under reasonable criteria established by the guaranty agency except to the extent that—

(A) The lender's eligibility has been limited, suspended, or terminated by the Secretary under subpart G of this part or by the agency under standards and procedures that are substantially the same as those in subpart G of this part; or

(B) The lender is disqualified by the Secretary under sections 432(h)(1), 432(h)(2), 435(d)(3), or 435(d)(5) of the Act or § 682.712; or

(C) There is a State constitutional prohibition affecting the lender's eligibility.

(ii) The agency may not guarantee a loan made by a school lender that is not located in the geographical area that the agency serves.

(iii) The guaranty agency may refuse to guarantee loans made by a school on behalf of students not attending that school.

(iv) The guaranty agency may, in determining whether to enter into a guarantee agreement with a lender, consider whether the lender has had prior experience in a similar Federal, State, or private nonprofit student loan program and the amount and percentage of loans that are currently delinquent or in default under that program.

(3) Insurance premiums and Federal default fees. (i) Except for a Consolidation Loan or refinanced SLS or PLUS loans, a guaranty agency:

(A) May charge the lender an insurance premium for Stafford, SLS, or PLUS loans it guarantees prior to July 1, 2006; and

(B) Must collect, either from the lender or by payment from any other non-Federal source, a Federal default fee for any Stafford or PLUS loans it guarantees on or after July 1, 2006, to be deposited into the Federal Fund under § 682.419.

(ii) The guaranty agency may not use the Federal default fee for incentive payments to lenders, and may only use the insurance premium or the Federal default fee for costs incurred in guaranteeing loans or in the administration of the agency's loan guarantee program, as specified in § 682.410(a)(2) or § 682.419(c).

(iii) If a lender charges the borrower an insurance premium or Federal default fee, the lender must deduct the charge proportionately from each disbursement of the borrower's loan proceeds.

(iv) The amount of the insurance premium or Federal default fee, as applicable—

(A) May not exceed 3 percent of the principal balance for a loan disbursed on or before June 30, 1994;

(B) May not exceed 1 percent of the principal balance for a loan disbursed on or after July 1, 1994;

(C) Shall be 1 percent of the principal balance of a loan guaranteed on or after July 1, 2006 and prior to July 1, 2010.

(v) If the circumstances specified in paragraph (vi) exist, the guaranty agency shall refund to the lender any insurance premium or Federal default fee paid by the lender.

(vi) The lender shall refund to the borrower by a credit against the borrower's loan balance the insurance premium or Federal default fee paid by the borrower on a loan under the following circumstances:

(A) The insurance premium or Federal default fee attributable to each disbursement of a loan must be refunded if the loan check is returned uncashed to the lender.

(B) The insurance premium or Federal default fee, or an appropriate prorated amount of the premium or fee, must be refunded by application to the borrower's loan balance if—

(1) The loan or a portion of the loan is returned by the school to the lender in order to comply with the Act or with applicable regulations;

(2) Within 120 days of disbursement, the loan or a portion of the loan is repaid or returned, unless—

(i) The borrower has no FFEL Program loans in repayment status and has requested, in writing, that the repaid or returned funds be used for a different purpose; or

(ii) The borrower has a FFEL Program loan in repayment status, in which case the payment is applied in accordance with § 682.209(b) unless the borrower has requested, in writing, that the repaid or returned funds be applied as a cancellation of all or part of the loan;

(3) Within 120 days of disbursement, the loan check has not been negotiated; or

(4) Within 120 days of disbursement, the loan proceeds disbursed by electronic funds transfer or master check have not been released from the restricted account maintained by the school.

(4) Inquiries. The agency must be able to receive and respond to written, electronic, and telephone inquiries.

(5) Guaranty liability. The guaranty agency shall guarantee—

(i) 100 percent of the unpaid principal balance of each loan guaranteed for loans disbursed before October 1, 1993;

(ii) Not more than 98 percent of the unpaid principal balance of each loan guaranteed for loans first disbursed on or after October 1, 1993 and before July 1, 2006; and

(iii) Not more than 97 percent of the unpaid principal balance of each loan guaranteed for loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2006.

(6) Guaranty agency verification of default data. A guaranty agency must meet the requirements and deadlines provided for it in subpart M and N of 34 CFR part 668 for the cohort default rate process.

(7) Guaranty agency administration. In the case of a State loan guarantee program administered by a State government, the program must be administered by a single State agency, or by one or more private nonprofit institutions or organizations under the supervision of a single State agency. For this purpose, “supervision” includes, but is not limited to, setting policies and procedures, and having full responsibility for the operation of the program.

(8) Loan assignment. (i) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(8)(iii) of this section, the guaranty agency must allow a loan to be assigned only if the loan is fully disbursed and is assigned to—

(A) An eligible lender;

(B) A guaranty agency, in the case of a borrower's default, death, total and permanent disability, or filing of a bankruptcy petition, or for other circumstances approved by the Secretary, such as a loan made for attendance at a school that closed or a false certification claim;

(C) An educational institution, whether or not it is an eligible lender, in connection with the institution's repayment to the agency or to the Secretary of a guarantee or a reinsurance claim payment made on a loan that was ineligible for the payment;

(D) A Federal or State agency or an organization or corporation acting on behalf of such an agency and acting as a conservator, liquidator, or receiver of an eligible lender; or

(E) The Secretary.

(ii) For the purpose of this paragraph, “assigned” means any kind of transfer of an interest in the loan, including a pledge of such an interest as security.

(iii) The guaranty agency must allow a loan to be assigned under paragraph (b)(8)(i) of this section, following the first disbursement of the loan if the assignment does not result in a change in the identity of the party to whom payments must be made.

(9) Transfer of guarantees. Except in the case of a transfer of guarantee requested by a borrower seeking a transfer to secure a single guarantor, the guaranty agency may transfer its guarantee obligation on a loan to another guaranty agency, only with the approval of the Secretary, the transferee agency, and the holder of the loan.

(10) Standards and procedures. (i) The guaranty agency shall establish, disseminate to concerned parties, and enforce standards and procedures for—

(A) Ensuring that all lenders in its program meet the definition of “eligible lender” in section 435(d) of the Act and have a written lender agreement with the agency;

(B) Lender participation in its program;

(C) Limitation, suspension, termination of lender participation;

(D) Emergency action against a participating lender;

(E) The exercise of due diligence by lenders in making, servicing, and collecting loans; and

(F) The timely filing by lenders of default, death, disability, bankruptcy, closed school, false certification unpaid refunds, identity theft, and ineligible loan claims.

(ii) The guaranty agency shall ensure that its program and all participants in its program at all times meet the requirements of subparts B, C, D, and F of this part.

(11) Monitoring student enrollment. The guaranty agency shall monitor the enrollment status of a FFEL program borrower or student on whose behalf a parent has borrowed that includes, at a minimum, reporting to the current holder of the loan within 35 days of any change in the student's enrollment status reported that triggers—

(i) The beginning of the borrower's grace period; or

(ii) The beginning or resumption of the borrower's immediate obligation to make scheduled payments.

(12) Submission of interest and special allowance information. Upon the Secretary's request, the guaranty agency shall submit, or require its lenders to submit, information that the Secretary deems necessary for determining the amount of interest benefits and special allowance payable on the agency's guaranteed loans.

(13) Submission of information for reports. The guaranty agency shall require lenders to submit to the agency the information necessary for the agency to complete the reports required by § 682.414(b).

(14) Guaranty agency transfer of information. (i) A guaranty agency from which another guaranty agency requests information regarding Stafford and SLS loans made after January 1, 1987, to students who are residents of the State for which the requesting agency is the principal guaranty agency shall provide—

(A) The name and social security number of the student; and

(B) The annual loan amount and the cumulative amount borrowed by the student in loans under the Stafford and SLS programs guaranteed by the responding agency.

(ii) The reasonable costs incurred by an agency in fulfilling a request for information made under paragraph (b)(14)(i) of this section must be paid by the guaranty agency making the request.

(15) Information on defaults. The guaranty agency shall, upon the request of a school, furnish information with respect to students, including the names and addresses of such students, who were enrolled at that school and who are in default on the repayment of any loan guaranteed by that agency.

(16) Information on loan sales or transfers. The guaranty agency must, upon the request of a school, furnish to the school last attended by the student, information with respect to the sale or transfer of a borrower's loan prior to the beginning of the repayment period, including—

(i) Notice of assignment;

(ii) The identity of the assignee;

(iii) The name and address of the party by which contact may be made with the holder concerning repayment of the loan; and

(iv) The telephone number of the assignee or, if the assignee uses a lender servicer, another appropriate number for borrower inquiries.

(17) Third-party servicers. The guaranty agency may not enter into a contract with a third-party servicer that the Secretary has determined does not meet the financial and compliance standards under § 682.416. The guaranty agency shall provide the Secretary with the name and address of any third-party servicer with which the agency enters into a contract and, upon request by the Secretary, a copy of that contract.

(18) Consolidation of defaulted FFEL loans. (i) A guaranty agency may charge collection costs in an amount not to exceed 18.5 percent of the outstanding principal and interest on a defaulted FFEL Program loan that is paid off by a Direct Consolidation loan.

(ii) On or after October 1, 2006, when returning proceeds to the Secretary from the consolidation of a defaulted loan, a guaranty agency that charged the borrower collection costs must remit an amount that equals the lesser of the actual collection costs charged or 8.5 percent of the outstanding principal and interest of the loan.

(iii) On or after October 1, 2009, when returning proceeds to the Secretary from the consolidation of a defaulted loan that is paid off with excess consolidation proceeds as defined in paragraph (b)(18)(iv) of this section, a guaranty agency must remit the entire amount of collection costs repaid through the consolidation loan.

(iv) The term excess consolidation proceeds means, for any Federal fiscal year beginning on or after October 1, 2009, the amount of Consolidation Loan proceeds received for defaulted loans under the FFEL Program that exceed 45 percent of the agency's total collections on defaulted loans in that Federal fiscal year.

(19) Change in agency's records system. The agency shall provide written notification to the Secretary at least 30 days prior to placing its new guarantees or converting the records relating to its existing guaranty portfolio to an information or computer system that is owned by, or otherwise under the control of, an entity that is different than the party that owns or controls the agency's existing information or computer system. If the agency is soliciting bids from third parties with respect to a proposed conversion, the agency shall provide written notice to the Secretary as soon as the solicitation begins. The notification described in this paragraph must include a concise description of the agency's conversion project and the actual or estimated cost of the project.

(20) Plans to Reduce Consolidation of defaulted loans. A guaranty agency shall establish and submit to the Secretary for approval, procedures to ensure that consolidation loans are not an excessive proportion of the guaranty agency's recoveries on defaulted loans.

(c) Review of forms and procedures. (1) The guaranty agency shall submit to the Secretary its write-off criteria and procedures. The agency may not use these materials until the Secretary approves them.

(2) The guaranty agency shall promptly submit to the Secretary its regulations, statements of procedures and standards, agreements, and other materials that substantially affect the operation of the agency's program, and any proposed changes to those materials. Except as provided in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the agency may use these materials unless and until the Secretary disapproves them.

(3) The guaranty agency must use common application forms, promissory notes, Master Promissory Notes (MPN), and other common forms approved by the Secretary. Each loan made under an MPN is enforceable in accordance with the terms of the MPN and is eligible for claim payment based on a true and exact copy of such MPN.

(4) The guaranty agency must develop and implement appropriate procedures that provide for the granting of a student deferment as specified in § 682.210(a)(6)(iv) and (c)(3) and require their lenders to use these procedures.

(5) The guaranty agency shall ensure that all program materials meet the requirements of Federal and State law, including, but not limited to, the Act and the regulations in this part and part 668.

(d) College Access Initiative. (1) A guaranty agency shall establish a plan to promote access to postsecondary education by—

(i) Providing the Secretary and the public with information on Internet web links and a comprehensive listing of postsecondary education opportunities, programs, publications and other services available in the State, or States for which the guaranty agency serves as the designated guaranty agency;

(ii) Promoting and publicizing information for students and traditionally underrepresented populations on college planning, career preparation, and paying for college in coordination with other entities that provide or distribute such information in the State, or States for which the guaranty agency serves as the designated guaranty agency;

(2) The activities required by this section may be funded from the guaranty agency's Operating Fund in accordance with § 682.423(c)(1)(vii) or from funds remaining in restricted accounts established pursuant to section 422(h)(4) of the Act.

(3) The guaranty agency shall ensure that the information required by this subsection is available to the public by November 5, 2006 and is—

(i) Free of charge; and

(ii) Available in print.

(e)(1) A guaranty agency must work with schools that participated in its program to develop and make available high-quality educational materials and programs that provide training to students and their families in budgeting and financial management, including debt management and other aspects of financial literacy, such as the cost of using high-interest loans to pay for postsecondary education, and how budgeting and financial management relate to the title IV student loan programs.

(2) The materials and programs described in paragraph (e)(1) of this section must be in formats that are simple and understandable to students and their families, and must be made available to students and their families by the guaranty agency before, during, and after a student's enrollment at an institution of higher education.

(3) A guaranty agency may provide similar programs and materials to an institution that participates only in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program.

(4) A lender or loan servicer may also provide an institution with outreach and financial literacy information consistent with the requirements of paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) of this section.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1845-0020) (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1078,1078,1078,1078,1082,Dec. 18, 1992] Editorial Note:For Federal Register citations affecting § 682.401, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

(a) General. (1) Rules governing the payment of claims based on filing for relief in bankruptcy, and discharge of loans due to death, total and permanent disability, attendance at a school that closes, false certification by a school of a borrower's eligibility for a loan, and unpaid refunds by a school are set forth in this section.

(2) If a Consolidation loan was obtained jointly by a married couple, the amount of the Consolidation loan that is discharged if one of the borrowers dies or becomes totally and permanently disabled is equal to the portion of the outstanding balance of the Consolidation loan, as of the date the borrower died or became totally and permanently disabled, attributable to any of that borrower's loans that would have been eligible for discharge.

(3) If a PLUS loan was obtained by two parents as co-makers, and only one of the borrowers dies, becomes totally and permanently disabled, has collection of his or her loan obligation stayed by a bankruptcy filing, or has that obligation discharged in bankruptcy, the other borrower remains obligated to repay the loan unless that borrower would qualify for discharge of the loan under these regulations.

(4) Except for a borrower's loan obligation discharged by the Secretary under the false certification discharge provision of paragraphs (e)(1)(ii) or (iii) of this section, a loan qualifies for payment under this section and as provided in paragraph (h)(1)(iv) of this section, only to the extent that the loan is legally enforceable under applicable law by the holder of the loan.

(5) For purposes of this section—

(i) The legal enforceability of a loan is conclusively determined on the basis of a ruling by a court or administrative tribunal of competent jurisdiction with respect to that loan, or a ruling with respect to another loan in a judgment that collaterally estops the holder from contesting the enforceability of the loan;

(ii) A loan is conclusively determined to be legally unenforceable to the extent that the guarantor determines, pursuant to an objection presented in a proceeding conducted in connection with consumer reporting agency reporting, tax refund offset, wage garnishment, or in any other administrative proceeding, that the loan is not legally enforceable; and

(iii) If an objection has been raised by the borrower or another party about the legal enforceability of the loan and no determination has been made under paragraph (a)(5) (i) or (ii) of this section, the Secretary may authorize the payment of a claim under this section under conditions the Secretary considers appropriate. If the Secretary determines in that or any other case that a claim was paid under this section with respect to a loan that was not a legally enforceable obligation of the borrower, the recipient of that payment must refund that amount of the payment to the Secretary.

(b) Death. (1) If an individual borrower dies, or the student for whom a parent received a PLUS loan dies, the obligation of the borrower and any endorser to make any further payments on the loan is discharged.

(2)(i) A discharge of a loan based on the death of the borrower (or student in the case of a PLUS loan) must be based on—

(A) An original or certified copy of the death certificate;

(B) An accurate and complete photocopy of the original or certified copy of the death certificate;

(C) An accurate and complete original or certified copy of the death certificate that is scanned and submitted electronically or sent by facsimile transmission; or

(D) Verification of the borrower's or student's death through an authoritative Federal or State electronic database approved for use by the Secretary.

(ii) Under exceptional circumstances and on a case-by-case basis, the chief executive officer of the guaranty agency may approve a discharge based upon other reliable documentation of the borrower's or student's death.

(3) After receiving reliable information indicating that the borrower (or student) has died, the lender must suspend any collection activity against the borrower and any endorser for up to 60 days and promptly request the documentation described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section. If additional time is required to obtain the documentation, the period of suspension of collection activity may be extended up to an additional 60 days. If the lender is not able to obtain an original or certified copy of the death certificate, or an accurate and complete photocopy of the original or certified copy of the death certificate or other documentation acceptable to the guaranty agency, under the provisions of paragraph (b)(2) of this section, during the period of suspension, the lender must resume collection activity from the point that it had been discontinued. The lender is deemed to have exercised forbearance as to repayment of the loan during the period when collection activity was suspended.

(4) Once the lender has determined under paragraph (b)(2) of this section that the borrower (or student) has died, the lender may not attempt to collect on the loan from the borrower's estate or from any endorser.

(5) The lender shall return to the sender any payments received from the estate or paid on behalf of the borrower after the date of the borrower's (or student's) death.

(6) In the case of a Federal Consolidation Loan that includes a Federal PLUS or Direct PLUS loan borrowed for a dependent who has died, the obligation of the borrower or any endorser to make any further payments on the portion of the outstanding balance of the Consolidation Loan attributable to the Federal PLUS or Direct PLUS loan is discharged as of the date of the dependent's death.

(c)(1) Total and permanent disability. (i) A borrower's loan is discharged if the borrower becomes totally and permanently disabled, as defined in § 682.200(b), and satisfies the eligibility requirements in this section.

(ii) For a borrower who becomes totally and permanently disabled as described in paragraph (1) of the definition of that term in § 682.200(b), the borrower's loan discharge application is processed in accordance with paragraphs (c)(2) through (c)(8) of this section.

(iii) For a veteran who is totally and permanently disabled as described in paragraph (2) of the definition of that term in § 682.200(b), the veteran's loan discharge application is processed in accordance with paragraph (c)(9) of this section.

(iv) For purposes of this paragraph (c)—

(A) A borrower's representative or a veteran's representative is a member of the borrower's family, the borrower's attorney, or another individual authorized to act on behalf of the borrower in connection with the borrower's total and permanent disability discharge application. References to a “borrower” or a “veteran” include, if applicable, the borrower's representative or the veteran's representative for purposes of applying for a total and permanent disability discharge, providing notifications or information to the Secretary, and receiving notifications from the Secretary;

(B) References to “the lender” mean the guaranty agency if the guaranty agency is the holder of the loan at the time the borrower applies for a total and permanent disability discharge, except that the total and permanent disability discharge claim filing requirements applicable to a lender do not apply to the guaranty agency; and

(C) References to “the applicable guaranty agency” mean the guaranty agency that guarantees the loan.

(2) Discharge application process for a borrower who is totally and permanently disabled as described in paragraph (1) of the definition of that term in § 682.200(b). (i) If the borrower notifies the lender that the borrower claims to be totally and permanently disabled as described in paragraph (1) of the definition of that term in § 682.200(b), the lender must direct the borrower to notify the Secretary of the borrower's intent to submit an application for total and permanent disability discharge and provide the borrower with the information needed for the borrower to notify the Secretary.

(ii) If the borrower notifies the Secretary of the borrower's intent to apply for a total and permanent disability discharge, the Secretary—

(A) Provides the borrower with information needed for the borrower to apply for a total and permanent disability discharge;

(B) Identifies all title IV loans owed by the borrower and notifies the lenders of the borrower's intent to apply for a total and permanent disability discharge;

(C) Directs the lenders to suspend efforts to collect from the borrower for a period not to exceed 120 days; and

(D) Informs the borrower that the suspension of collection activity described in paragraph (c)(2)(ii)(C) of this section will end after 120 days and collection will resume on the loans if the borrower does not submit a total and permanent disability discharge application to the Secretary within that time;

(iii) If the borrower fails to submit an application for a total and permanent disability discharge to the Secretary within 120 days, collection resumes on the borrower's title IV loans, and the lender is deemed to have exercised forbearance of principal and interest from the date it suspended collection activity. The lender may capitalize, in accordance with § 682.202(b), any interest accrued and not paid during that period, except that if the lender is a guaranty agency it may not capitalize accrued interest.

(iv) The borrower must submit to the Secretary an application for a total and permanent disability discharge on a form approved by the Secretary. The application must contain—

(A) A certification by a physician, who is a doctor of medicine or osteopathy legally authorized to practice in a State, that the borrower is totally and permanently disabled as described in paragraph (1) of the definition of that term in § 682.200(b);

(B) A certification by a nurse practitioner or physician assistant licensed by a State, or a licensed or certified psychologist at the independent practice level, that the borrower is totally and permanently disabled as described in paragraph (1) of the definition of that term in § 682.200(b); or

(C) An SSA Benefit Planning Query (BPQY) or an SSA notice of award or other documentation deemed acceptable by the Secretary, indicating that—

(1) The borrower qualifies for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) based on disability and the borrower's next continuing disability has been scheduled between 5 and 7 years;

(2) The borrower qualifies for SSDI benefits or SSI based on disability and the borrower's next continuing disability review has been scheduled at 3 years;

(3) The borrower has an established onset date for SSDI or SSI of at least 5 years prior or has been receiving SSDI benefits or SSI based on disability for at least 5 years prior to the application for a disability discharge;

(4) The borrower qualifies for SSDI benefits or SSI based on a compassionate allowance; or

(5) For a borrower who is currently receiving SSA retirement benefits, documentation that, prior to the borrower qualifying for SSA retirement benefits, the borrower met any of the requirements in paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(C) of this section.

(v) The borrower must submit the application described in paragraph (c)(2)(iv) of this section to the Secretary within 90 days of the date the physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or psychologist certifies the application, if applicable.

(vi) After the Secretary receives the application described in paragraph (c)(2)(iv) of this section, the Secretary notifies the holders of the borrower's title IV loans that the Secretary has received a total and permanent disability discharge application from the borrower. The holders of the loans must notify the applicable guaranty agency that the total and permanent disability discharge application has been received.

(vii) If the application is incomplete, the Secretary notifies the borrower of the missing information and requests the missing information from the borrower or the physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or psychologist who provided the certification, as appropriate. The Secretary does not make a determination of eligibility until the application is complete.

(viii) The lender notification described in paragraph (c)(2)(vi) of this section directs the borrower's loan holders to suspend collection activity or maintain the suspension of collection activity on the borrower's title IV loans.

(ix) After the Secretary receives the disability discharge application, the Secretary sends a notice to the borrower that—

(A) States that the application will be reviewed by the Secretary;

(B) Informs the borrower that the borrower's lenders will suspend collection activity or maintain the suspension of collection activity on the borrower's title IV loans while the Secretary reviews the borrower's application for a discharge; and

(C) Explains the process for the Secretary's review of total and permanent disability discharge applications.

(3) Secretary's review of total and permanent disability discharge application. (i) If, after reviewing the borrower's completed application, the Secretary determines that the data described in paragraph (c)(2)(iv) of this section supports the conclusion that the borrower is totally and permanently disabled, as described in paragraph (1) of the definition of that term in § 682.200(b), the borrower is considered totally and permanently disabled—

(A) As of the date the physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or psychologist certified the borrower's application; or

(B) As of the date the Secretary received the SSA data described in paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(C) of this section.

(ii) If the Secretary determines that the borrower's application does not support the conclusion that the borrower is totally and permanently disabled as described in paragraph (1) of the definition of that term in § 682.200(b) the Secretary may require the borrower to submit additional medical evidence. As part of the Secretary's review of the borrower's discharge application, the Secretary may require and arrange for an additional review of the borrower's condition by an independent physician or other medical professional identified by the Secretary at no expense to the borrower.

(iii) After determining that the borrower is totally and permanently disabled as described in paragraph (1) of the definition of that term in § 682.200(b), the Secretary notifies the borrower and the borrower's lenders that the application for a disability discharge has been approved. With this notification, the Secretary provides the date the physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or psychologist certified the borrower's loan discharge application or the date the Secretary received the SSA data described in paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(C) of this section and directs each lender to submit a disability claim to the guaranty agency so the loan can be assigned to the Secretary. The Secretary returns any payment received by the Secretary after the date the physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or psychologist certified the borrower's loan discharge application or received the SSA data described in paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(C) of this section to the person who made the payment.

(iv) After the loan is assigned, the Secretary discharges the borrower's obligation to make further payments on the loan and notifies the borrower and the lender that the loan has been discharged. The notification to the borrower explains the terms and conditions under which the borrower's obligation to repay the loan will be reinstated, as specified in paragraph (c)(6)(i) of this section.

(v) If the Secretary determines that the physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or psychologist certification or SSA data described in paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(C) of this section does not support the conclusion that the borrower is totally and permanently disabled as described in paragraph (1) of the definition of that term in § 682.200(b), the Secretary notifies the borrower and the lender that the application for a disability discharge has been denied. The notification includes—

(A) The reason or reasons for the denial;

(B) A statement that the loan is due and payable to the lender under the terms of the promissory note and that the loan will return to the status that would have existed had the total and permanent disability discharge application not been received;

(C) A statement that the lender will notify the borrower of the date the borrower must resume making payments on the loan;

(D) An explanation that the borrower is not required to submit a new total and permanent disability discharge application if the borrower requests that the Secretary re-evaluate the application for discharge by providing, within 12 months of the date of the notification, additional information that supports the borrower's eligibility for discharge; and

(E) An explanation that if the borrower does not request re-evaluation of the borrower's prior discharge application within 12 months of the date of the notification, the borrower must submit a new total and permanent disability discharge application to the Secretary if the borrower wishes the Secretary to re-evaluate the borrower's eligibility for a total and permanent disability discharge.

(vi) If the borrower requests re-evaluation in accordance with paragraph (c)(3)(v)(D) of this section or submits a new total and permanent disability discharge application in accordance with paragraph (c)(3)(v)(E) of this section, the request must include new information regarding the borrower's disabling condition that was not provided to the Secretary in connection with the prior application at the time the Secretary reviewed the borrower's initial application for a total and permanent disability discharge.

(4) Treatment of disbursements made during the period from the date of the physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or psychologist certification or the date the Secretary received the SSA data described in paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(C) of this section until the date of discharge. If a borrower received a title IV loan or TEACH Grant before the date the physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or psychologist certified the borrower's discharge application or before the date the Secretary received the SSA data described in paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(C) of this section and a disbursement of that loan or grant is made during the period from the date of the physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or psychologist certification or the Secretary's receipt of the SSA data described in paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(C) of this section until the date the Secretary grants a discharge under this section, the processing of the borrower's loan discharge request will be suspended until the borrower ensures that the full amount of the disbursement has been returned to the loan holder or to the Secretary, as applicable.

(5) Receipt of new title IV loans or TEACH Grants after the date of the physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or psychologist certification or after the date the Secretary received the SSA data described in paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(C) of this section. If a borrower receives a disbursement of a new title IV loan or receives a new TEACH Grant made on or after the date the physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or psychologist certified the borrower's discharge application or the date the Secretary received the SSA data described in paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(C) of this section and before the date the Secretary grants a discharge under this section, the Secretary denies the borrower's discharge request and collection resumes on the borrower's loans.

(6) Conditions for reinstatement of a loan after a total and permanent disability discharge. (i) The Secretary reinstates the borrower's obligation to repay a loan that was discharged in accordance with (c)(3)(iii) of this section if, within 3 years after the date the Secretary granted the discharge, the borrower receives a new TEACH Grant or a new loan under the Direct Loan Program, except for a Direct Consolidation Loan that includes loans that were not discharged.

(ii) If the borrower's obligation to repay a loan is reinstated, the Secretary—

(A) Notifies the borrower that the borrower's obligation to repay the loan has been reinstated;

(B) Returns the loan to the status that would have existed if the total and permanent disability discharge application had not been received; and

(C) Does not require the borrower to pay interest on the loan for the period from the date the loan was discharged until the date the borrower's obligation to repay the loan was reinstated.

(iii) The Secretary's notification under paragraph (c)(6)(ii)(A) of this section will include—

(A) The reason or reasons for the reinstatement;

(B) An explanation that the first payment due date on the loan following reinstatement will be no earlier than 90 days after the date of the notification of reinstatement; and

(C) Information on how the borrower may contact the Secretary if the borrower has questions about the reinstatement or believes that the obligation to repay the loan was reinstated based on incorrect information.

(7) Lender and guaranty agency actions. (i) If the Secretary approves the borrower's total and permanent disability discharge application—

(A) The lender must submit a disability claim to the guaranty agency, in accordance with paragraph (g)(1) of this section;

(B) If the claim satisfies the requirements of paragraph (g)(1) of this section and § 682.406, the guaranty agency must pay the claim submitted by the lender;

(C) After receiving a claim payment from the guaranty agency, the lender must return to the sender any payments received by the lender after the date the physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or psychologist certified the borrower's loan discharge application or after the date the Secretary received the SSA data described in paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(C) of this section as well as any payments received after claim payment from or on behalf of the borrower;

(D) The Secretary reimburses the guaranty agency for a disability claim paid to the lender after the agency pays the claim to the lender; and

(E) The guaranty agency must assign the loan to the Secretary within 45 days of the date the guaranty agency pays the disability claim and receives the reimbursement payment, or within 45 days of the date the guaranty agency receives the notice described in paragraph (c)(3)(iii) of this section if a guaranty agency is the lender.

(ii) If the Secretary does not approve the borrower's total and permanent disability discharge request, the lender must resume collection of the loan and is deemed to have exercised forbearance of payment of both principal and interest from the date collection activity was suspended. The lender may capitalize, in accordance with § 682.202(b), any interest accrued and not paid during that period, except if the lender is a guaranty agency it may not capitalize accrued interest.

(8) Lender and guaranty agency actions. (i) If the Secretary approves the borrower's total and permanent disability discharge application—

(A) The lender must submit a disability claim to the guaranty agency, in accordance with paragraph (g)(1) of this section;

(B) If the claim satisfies the requirements of paragraph (g)(1) of this section and § 682.406, the guaranty agency must pay the claim submitted by the lender;

(C) After receiving a claim payment from the guaranty agency, the lender must return to the sender any payments received by the lender after the date the physician certified the borrower's loan discharge application or after the date the Secretary received the SSA notice of award for SSDI or SSI benefits as well as any payments received after claim payment from or on behalf of the borrower;

(D) The Secretary reimburses the guaranty agency for a disability claim paid to the lender after the agency pays the claim to the lender; and

(E) The guaranty agency must assign the loan to the Secretary within 45 days of the date the guaranty agency pays the disability claim and receives the reimbursement payment, or within 45 days of the date the guaranty agency receives the notice described in paragraph (c)(3)(iii) of this section if a guaranty agency is the lender.

(ii) If the Secretary does not approve the borrower's total and permanent disability discharge request, the lender must resume collection of the loan and is deemed to have exercised forbearance of payment of both principal and interest from the date collection activity was suspended. The lender may capitalize, in accordance with § 682.202(b), any interest accrued and not paid during that period, except if the lender is a guaranty agency it may not capitalize accrued interest.

(9) Discharge without an application. The Secretary will discharge a loan under this section without an application or any additional documentation from the borrower if the Secretary—

(i) Obtains data from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) showing that the borrower is unemployable due to a service-connected disability; or

(ii) Obtains data from the Social Security Administration (SSA) described in paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(C) of this section.

(10) Notifications and return of payments. (i) After determining that a borrower qualifies for a total and permanent disability discharge under paragraph (c)(9) of this section, the Secretary sends a notification to the borrower informing the borrower that the Secretary will discharge the borrower's title IV loans unless the borrower notifies the Secretary, by a date specified in the Secretary's notification, that the borrower does not wish to receive the loan discharge.

(ii) Unless the borrower notifies the Secretary that the borrower does not wish to receive the discharge, the Secretary notifies the borrower's loan holders that the borrower has been approved for a disability discharge. With this notification the Secretary provides the effective date of the determination by VA or the date the Secretary received the SSA data described in paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(C) of this section and directs the holder of each FFEL Program loan made to the borrower to submit a disability claim to the guaranty agency in accordance with paragraph (g)(1) of this section.

(iii) If the claim meets the requirements of paragraph (g)(1) of this section and § 682.406, the guaranty agency pays the claim and must—

(A) Discharge the loan, in the case of a discharge based on data from VA; or

(B) Assign the loan to the Secretary, in the case of a discharge based on data from the SSA.

(iv) The Secretary reimburses the guaranty agency for a disability claim after the agency pays the claim to the lender.

(v) Upon receipt of the claim payment from the guaranty agency, the loan holder returns to the person who made the payments any payments received on or after—

(A) The effective date of the determination by VA that the borrower is unemployable due to a service-connected disability; or

(B) The date the Secretary received the SSA data described in paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(C) of this section.

(vi) For a loan that is assigned to the Secretary for discharge based on data from the SSA, the Secretary discharges the loan in accordance with paragraph (c)(3)(iv) of this section.

(vii) If the borrower notifies the Secretary that they do not wish to receive the discharge, the borrower will remain responsible for repayment of the borrower's loans in accordance with the terms and conditions of the promissory notes that the borrower signed.

(d) Closed school—(1) General. (i) The Secretary reimburses the holder of a loan received by a borrower on or after January 1, 1986, and discharges the borrower's obligation with respect to the loan in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (d) of this section, if the borrower (or the student for whom a parent received a PLUS loan) could not complete the program of study for which the loan was intended because the school at which the borrower (or student) was enrolled closed, or the borrower (or student) withdrew from the school not more than 180 days prior to the date the school closed. The Secretary may extend the 180-day period if the Secretary determines that exceptional circumstances, as described in paragraph (d)(9) of this section, justify an extension.

(ii) For purposes of the closed school discharge authorized by this section—

(A) If a school has closed, the school's closure date is the earlier of: the date, determined by the Secretary, that the school ceased to provide educational instruction in programs in which most students at the school were enrolled, or a date determined by the Secretary that reflects when the school ceased to provide educational instruction for all of its students;

(B) The term “borrower” includes all endorsers on a loan;

(C) A “school” means a school's main campus or any location or branch of the main campus, regardless of whether the school or its location or branch is considered title IV eligible, and

(D) “Program” means the credential defined by the level and Classification of Instructional Program code in which a student is enrolled, except that the Secretary may define a borrower's program as multiple levels or Classification of Instructional Program codes if—

(1) The enrollment occurred at the same school in closely proximate periods;

(2) The school granted a credential in a program while the student was enrolled in a different program; or

(3) The programs must be taken in a set order or were presented as necessary for borrowers to complete in order to succeed in the relevant field of employment

(2) Relief available pursuant to discharge. (i) Discharge under this paragraph (d) relieves the borrower of any existing or past obligation to repay the loan and any charges imposed or costs incurred by the holder with respect to the loan that the borrower is or was otherwise obligated to pay.

(ii) A discharge of a loan under this paragraph (d) qualifies the borrower for reimbursement of amounts paid voluntarily or through enforced collection on a loan obligation discharged under this paragraph (d).

(iii) A borrower who has defaulted on a loan discharged under this paragraph (d) is not regarded as in default on the loan after discharge, and is eligible to receive assistance under the title IV, HEA programs.

(iv) A discharge of a loan under this paragraph (d) must be reported by the loan holder to all consumer reporting agencies to which the holder previously reported the status of the loan, so as to delete all adverse credit history assigned to the loan.

(3) Borrower qualification for discharge. Except as provided in paragraph (d)(8) of this section, to qualify for a discharge of a loan under this paragraph (d), a borrower must submit a completed closed school discharge application on a form approved by the Secretary and the factual assertions in the application must be true and must be made under penalty of perjury. The application explains the procedures and eligibility criteria for obtaining a discharge and requires the borrower to state that the borrower (or the student on whose behalf a parent borrowed)—

(i) Received the proceeds of a loan, in whole or in part, on or after January 1, 1986, to attend a school;

(ii) Did not complete the program of study at that school because the school closed while the student was enrolled, or the student withdrew from the school not more than 180 calendar days before the school closed. The Secretary may extend the 180-day period if the Secretary determines that exceptional circumstances, as described in paragraph (d)(9) of this section, justify an extension;

(iii) On or after July 1, 2023, state that the borrower did not complete the program at another branch or location of the school or through a teach-out agreement at another school, approved by the school's accrediting agency and, if applicable, the school's State authorizing agency; and

(iv) State that the borrower (or student)—

(A) Agrees to provide to the Secretary or the Secretary's designee upon request other documentation reasonably available to the borrower that demonstrates that the borrower meets the qualifications for discharge under this section; and

(B) Agrees to cooperate with the Secretary or the Secretary's designee in enforcement actions in accordance with paragraph (d)(4) of this section and to transfer any right to recovery against a third party to the Secretary in accordance with paragraph (d)(5) of this section.

(4) Cooperation by borrower in enforcement actions. (i) In any judicial or administrative proceeding brought by the Secretary or the Secretary's designee to recover for amounts discharged under paragraph (d) of this section or to take other enforcement action with respect to the conduct on which those claims were based, a borrower who requests or receives a discharge under paragraph (d) of this section must cooperate with the Secretary or the Secretary's designee. At the request of the Secretary or the Secretary's designee, and upon the Secretary's or the Secretary's designee's tendering to the borrower the fees and costs as are customarily provided in litigation to reimburse witnesses, the borrower shall—

(A) Provide testimony regarding any representation made by the borrower to support a request for discharge; and

(B) Produce any documentation reasonably available to the borrower with respect to those representations and any sworn statement required by the Secretary with respect to those representations and documents.

(ii) The Secretary revokes the discharge, or denies the request for discharge, of a borrower who—

(A) Fails to provide testimony, sworn statements, or documentation to support material representations made by the borrower to obtain the discharge; or

(B) Provides testimony, a sworn statement, or documentation that does not support the material representations made by the borrower to obtain the discharge.

(5) Transfer to the Secretary of borrower's right of recovery against third parties. (i) Upon discharge under paragraph (d) of this section, the borrower is deemed to have assigned to and relinquished in favor of the Secretary any right to a loan refund (up to the amount discharged) that the borrower (or student) may have by contract or applicable law with respect to the loan or the enrollment agreement for the program for which the loan was received, against the school, its principals, affiliates and their successors, its sureties, and any private fund, including the portion of a public fund that represents funds received from a private party.

(ii) The provisions of paragraph (d) of this section apply notwithstanding any provision of State law that would otherwise restrict transfer of such rights by the borrower (or student), limit or prevent a transferee from exercising those rights, or establish procedures or a scheme of distribution that would prejudice the Secretary's ability to recover on those rights.

(iii) Nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting or foreclosing the borrower's (or student's) right to pursue legal and equitable relief regarding disputes arising from matters otherwise unrelated to the loan discharged.

(6) Guaranty agency responsibilities—(i) Procedures applicable if a school closed on or after January 1, 1986, but prior to June 13, 1994. (A) If a borrower received a loan for attendance at a school with a closure date on or after January 1, 1986, but prior to June 13, 1994, the loan may be discharged in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (d)(6)(i) of this section.

(B) If a loan subject to paragraph (d) of this section was discharged in part in accordance with the Secretary's “Closed School Policy” as authorized by section IV of Bulletin 89-G-159, the guaranty agency shall initiate the discharge of the remaining balance of the loan not later than August 13, 1994.

(C) A guaranty agency shall review its records and identify all schools that appear to have closed on or after January 1, 1986 and prior to June 13, 1994, and shall identify the loans made to any borrower (or student) who appears to have been enrolled at the school on the school closure date or who withdrew not more than 120 days prior to the closure date.

(D) A guaranty agency shall notify the Secretary immediately if it determines that a school not previously known to have closed appears to have closed, and, within 30 days of making that determination, notify all lenders participating in its program to suspend collection efforts against individuals with respect to loans made for attendance at the closed school, if the student to whom (or on whose behalf) a loan was made, appears to have been enrolled at the school on the closing date, or withdrew not more than 120 days prior to the date the school appears to have closed. Within 30 days after receiving confirmation of the date of a school's closure from the Secretary, the agency shall—

(1) Notify all lenders participating in its program to mail a discharge application explaining the procedures and eligibility criteria for obtaining a discharge and an explanation of the information that must be included in the sworn statement (which may be combined) to all borrowers who may be eligible for a closed school discharge; and

(2) Review the records of loans that it holds, identify the loans made to any borrower (or student) who appears to have been enrolled at the school on the school closure date or who withdrew not more than 120 days prior to the closure date, and mail a discharge application and an explanation of the information that must be included in the sworn statement (which may be combined) to the borrower. The application shall inform the borrower of the procedures and eligibility criteria for obtaining a discharge.

(E) If a loan identified under paragraph (d)(6)(i)(D)(2) of this section is held by the guaranty agency as a defaulted loan and the borrower's current address is known, the guaranty agency shall immediately suspend any efforts to collect from the borrower on any loan received for the program of study for which the loan was made (but may continue to receive borrower payments), and notify the borrower that the agency will provide additional information about the procedures for requesting a discharge after the agency has received confirmation from the Secretary that the school had closed.

(F) If a loan identified under paragraph (d)(6)(i)(D)(2) of this section is held by the guaranty agency as a defaulted loan and the borrower's current address is unknown, the agency shall, by June 13, 1995, further refine the list of borrowers whose loans are potentially subject to discharge under paragraph (d) of this section by consulting with representatives of the closed school, the school's licensing agency, accrediting agency, and other appropriate parties. Upon learning the new address of a borrower who would still be considered potentially eligible for a discharge, the guaranty agency shall, within 30 days after learning the borrower's new address, mail to the borrower a discharge application that meets the requirements of paragraph (d)(6)(i)(E) of this section.

(G) If the guaranty agency determines that a borrower identified in paragraph (d)(6)(i)(E) or (F) of this section has satisfied all of the conditions required for a discharge, the agency shall notify the borrower in writing of that determination within 30 days after making that determination.

(H) If the guaranty agency determines that a borrower identified in paragraph (d)(6)(i)(E) or (F) of this section does not qualify for a discharge, the agency shall notify the borrower in writing of that determination and the reasons for it within 30 days after the date the agency—

(1) Made that determination based on information available to the guaranty agency;

(2) Was notified by the Secretary that the school had not closed;

(3) Was notified by the Secretary that the school had closed on a date that was more than 120 days after the borrower (or student) withdrew from the school;

(4) Was notified by the Secretary that the borrower (or student) was ineligible for a closed school discharge for other reasons; or

(5) Received the borrower's completed application and sworn statement.

(I) If a borrower described in paragraph (d)(6)(i)(E) or (F) of this section fails to submit the written request and sworn statement described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section within 60 days of being notified of that option, the guaranty agency shall resume collection and shall be deemed to have exercised forbearance of payment of principal and interest from the date it suspended collection activity. The agency may capitalize, in accordance with § 682.202(b), any interest accrued and not paid during that period.

(J) A borrower's request for discharge may not be denied solely on the basis of failing to meet any time limits set by the lender, guaranty agency, or the Secretary.

(ii) Procedures applicable if a school closed on or after June 13, 1994. (A) A guaranty agency shall notify the Secretary immediately whenever it becomes aware of reliable information indicating a school may have closed. The designated guaranty agency in the state in which the school is located shall promptly investigate whether the school has closed and, within 30 days after receiving information indicating that the school may have closed, report the results of its investigation to the Secretary concerning the date of the school's closure and whether a teach-out of the closed school's program was made available to students.

(B) If a guaranty agency determines that a school appears to have closed, it shall, within 30 days of making that determination, notify all lenders participating in its program to suspend collection efforts against individuals with respect to loans made for attendance at the closed school, if the student to whom (or on whose behalf) a loan was made, appears to have been enrolled at the school on the closing date, or withdrew not more than 180 days prior to the date the school appears to have closed. Within 30 days after receiving confirmation of the date of a school's closure from the Secretary, the agency shall—

(1) Notify all lenders participating in its program to mail a discharge application explaining the procedures and eligibility criteria for obtaining a discharge and an explanation of the information that must be included in the application to all borrowers who may be eligible for a closed school discharge; and

(2) Review the records of loans that it holds, identify the loans made to any borrower (or student) who appears to have been enrolled at the school on the school closure date or who withdrew not more than 180 days prior to the closure date, and mail a discharge application and an explanation of the information that must be included in the application to the borrower. The application shall inform the borrower of the procedures and eligibility criteria for obtaining a discharge.

(C) If a loan identified under paragraph (d)(6)(ii)(B)(2) of this section is held by the guaranty agency as a defaulted loan and the borrower's current address is known, the guaranty agency shall immediately suspend any efforts to collect from the borrower on any loan received for the program of study for which the loan was made (but may continue to receive borrower payments), and notify the borrower that the agency will provide additional information about the procedures for requesting a discharge after the agency has received confirmation from the Secretary that the school had closed.

(D) If a loan identified under paragraph (d)(6)(ii)(B)(2) of this section is held by the guaranty agency as a defaulted loan and the borrower's current address is unknown, the agency shall, within one year after identifying the borrower, attempt to locate the borrower and further determine the borrower's potential eligibility for a discharge under paragraph (d) of this section by consulting with representatives of the closed school, the school's licensing agency, accrediting agency, and other appropriate parties. Upon learning the new address of a borrower who would still be considered potentially eligible for a discharge, the guaranty agency shall, within 30 days after learning the borrower's new address, mail to the borrower a discharge application that meets the requirements of paragraph (d)(6)(ii)(B) of this section.

(E) If the guaranty agency determines that a borrower identified in paragraph (d)(6)(ii)(C) or (D) of this section has satisfied all of the conditions required for a discharge, the agency shall notify the borrower in writing of that determination within 30 days after making that determination.

(F) If the guaranty agency determines that a borrower identified in paragraph (d)(6)(ii)(C) or (D) of this section does not qualify for a discharge, the agency shall notify the borrower in writing of that determination and the reasons for it, the opportunity for review by the Secretary, and how to request such a review within 30 days after the date the agency—

(1) Made that determination based on information available to the guaranty agency;

(2) Was notified by the Secretary that the school had not closed;

(3) Was notified by the Secretary that the school had closed on a date that was more than 120 days after the borrower (or student) withdrew from the school;

(4) Was notified by the Secretary that the borrower (or student) was ineligible for a closed school discharge for other reasons; or

(5) Received the borrower's completed application.

(G) Upon receipt of a closed school discharge claim filed by a lender, the agency shall review the borrower's completed application in light of information available from the records of the agency and from other sources, including other guaranty agencies, state authorities, and cognizant accrediting associations, and shall take the following actions—

(1) If the agency determines that the borrower satisfies the requirements for discharge under paragraph (d) of this section, it shall pay the claim in accordance with § 682.402(h) not later than 90 days after the agency received the claim; or

(2) If the agency determines that the borrower does not qualify for a discharge, the agency shall, not later than 90 days after the agency received the claim, return the claim to the lender with an explanation of the reasons for its determination.

(H) If a borrower described in paragraph (d)(6)(ii)(E) or (F) of this section fails to submit the completed application within 90 days of being notified of that option, the lender or guaranty agency shall resume collection.

(I) Upon resuming collection on any affected loan, the lender or guaranty agency provides the borrower another discharge application and an explanation of the requirements and procedures for obtaining a discharge.

(J) A borrower's request for discharge may not be denied solely on the basis of failing to meet any time limits set by the lender, guaranty agency, or the Secretary.

(K)(1) Within 30 days after receiving the borrower's request for review under paragraph (d)(6)(ii)(F) of this section, the agency shall forward the borrower's discharge request and all relevant documentation to the Secretary for review.

(2) The Secretary notifies the agency and the borrower of the determination upon review. If the Secretary determines that the borrower is not eligible for a discharge under paragraph (d) of this section, within 30 days after being so informed, the agency shall take the actions described in paragraph (d)(6)(ii)(H) or (I) of this section, as applicable.

(3) If the Secretary determines that the borrower meets the requirements for a discharge under paragraph (d) of this section, the agency shall, within 30 days after being so informed, take actions required under paragraphs (d)(6)(ii)(E) and (d)(6)(ii)(G)(1) of this section, and the lender shall take the actions described in paragraph (d)(7)(iv) of this section, as applicable.

(7) Lender responsibilities. (i) A lender shall comply with the requirements prescribed in paragraph (d) of this section. In the absence of specific instructions from a guaranty agency or the Secretary, if a lender receives information from a source it believes to be reliable indicating that an existing or former borrower may be eligible for a loan discharge under paragraph (d) of this section, the lender shall immediately notify the guaranty agency, and suspend any efforts to collect from the borrower on any loan received for the program of study for which the loan was made (but may continue to receive borrower payments).

(ii) If the borrower fails to submit a completed application described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section within 90 days of being notified of that option, the lender shall resume collection and shall be deemed to have exercised forbearance of payment of principal and interest from the date the lender suspended collection activity. The lender may capitalize, in accordance with § 682.202(b), any interest accrued and not paid during that period. Upon resuming collection, the lender provides the borrower with another discharge application and an explanation of the requirements and procedures for obtaining a discharge.

(iii) The lender shall file a closed school claim with the guaranty agency in accordance with § 682.402(g) no later than 60 days after the lender receives a completed application described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section from the borrower, or notification from the agency that the Secretary approved the borrower's appeal in accordance with paragraph (d)(6)(ii)(K)(3) of this section.

(iv) Within 30 days after receiving reimbursement from the guaranty agency for a closed school claim, the lender shall notify the borrower that the loan obligation has been discharged, and request that all consumer reporting agencies to which it previously reported the status of the loan delete all adverse credit history assigned to the loan.

(v) Within 30 days after being notified by the guaranty agency that the borrower's request for a closed school discharge has been denied, the lender shall resume collection and notify the borrower of the reasons for the denial. The lender shall be deemed to have exercised forbearance of payment of principal and interest from the date the lender suspended collection activity, and may capitalize, in accordance with § 682.202(b), any interest accrued and not paid during that period.

(8) Discharge without an application. (i) A borrower's obligation to repay a FFEL Program loan will be discharged without an application from the borrower if the—

(A) Borrower received a discharge on a loan pursuant to § 674.33(g) of this chapter under the Federal Perkins Loan Program, or § 685.214 of this chapter under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program; or

(B) The Secretary or the guaranty agency, with the Secretary's permission, determines that the borrower qualifies for a discharge under sections (d)(3)(i), (ii) and (iii) based on information in the Secretary or guaranty agency's possession. The Secretary or guaranty agency discharges the loan without an application or any statement from the borrower 1 year after the institution's closure date if the borrower did not complete the program at another branch or location of the school or through a teach-out agreement at another school, approved by the school's accrediting agency and, if applicable, the school's State authorizing agency.

(ii) If the borrower accepts but does not complete a continuation of the program at another branch of location of the school or a teach-out agreement at another school, approved by the school's accrediting agency and, if applicable, the school's State authorizing agency, then the Secretary or guaranty agency discharges the loan 1 year after the borrower's last date of attendance in the teach-out program.

(9) Exceptional circumstances. For purposes of this section, exceptional circumstances include, but are not limited to—

(i) The revocation or withdrawal by an accrediting agency of the school's institutional accreditation;

(ii) The school is or was placed on probation or issued a show-cause order, or placed on an accreditation status that poses an equivalent or greater risk to its accreditation, by its accrediting agency for failing to meet one or more of the agency's standards;

(iii) The revocation or withdrawal by the State authorization or licensing authority to operate or to award academic credentials in the State;

(iv) The termination by the Department of the school's participation in a title IV, HEA program;

(v) A finding by a State or Federal government agency that the school violated State or Federal law related to education or services to students;

(vi) A State or Federal court judgment that a School violated State or Federal law related to education or services to students;

(vii) The teach-out of the student's educational program exceeds the 180-day look back period for a closed school discharge;

(viii) The school responsible for the teach-out of the student's educational program fails to perform the material terms of the teach-out plan or agreement, such that the student does not have a reasonable opportunity to complete his or her program of study;

(ix) The school discontinued a significant share of its academic programs.

(x) The school permanently closed all or most of its ground-based or in-person locations while maintaining online programs.

(xi) The school was placed on the heightened cash monitoring payment method as defined in § 668.162(d)(2).

(e) False certification by a school of a student's eligibility to borrow and unauthorized disbursements—(1) General. (i) The Secretary reimburses the holder of a loan received by a borrower on or after January 1, 1986, and discharges a current or former borrower's obligation with respect to the loan in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph (e), if the borrower's (or the student for whom a parent received a PLUS loan) eligibility to receive the loan was falsely certified by an eligible school. On or after July 1, 2006, the Secretary reimburses the holder of a loan, and discharges a borrower's obligation with respect to the loan in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph (e), if the borrower's eligibility to receive the loan was falsely certified as a result of a crime of identity theft. For purposes of a false certification discharge, the term “borrower” includes all endorsers on a loan.

(ii) A student's or other individual's eligibility to borrow will be considered to have been falsely certified by the school if the school—

(A) Certified the eligibility for a FFEL Program loan of a student who—

(1) Reported not having a high school diploma or its equivalent; and

(2) Did not satisfy the alternative to graduation from high school requirements in 34 CFR 668.32(e) and section 484(d) of the Act that were in effect at the time the loan was certified, as applicable;

(B) Certified the eligibility of a student who is not a high school graduate based on—

(1) A high school graduation status falsified by the school; or

(2) A high school diploma falsified by the school or a third party to which the school referred the borrower;

(C) Certified the eligibility of the student who, because of a physical or mental condition, age, criminal record, or other reason accepted by the Secretary, would not meet State requirements for employment (in the student's State of residence when the loan was certified) in the occupation for which the training program supported by the loan was intended;

(D) Signed the borrower's name without authorization by the borrower on the loan application or promissory note; or

(E) Certified the eligibility of an individual for a FFEL Program loan as a result of the crime of identity theft committed against the individual, as that crime is defined in paragraph (e)(14) of this section.

(iii) The Secretary discharges the obligation of a borrower with respect to a loan disbursement for which the school, without the borrower's authorization, endorsed the borrower's loan check or authorization for electronic funds transfer, unless the student for whom the loan was made received the proceeds of the loan either by actual delivery of the loan funds or by a credit in the amount of the contested disbursement applied to charges owed to the school for that portion of the educational program completed by the student. However, the Secretary does not reimburse the lender with respect to any amount disbursed by means of a check bearing an unauthorized endorsement unless the school also executed the application or promissory note for that loan for the named borrower without that individual's consent.

(iv) If a loan was made as a result of the crime of identity theft that was committed by an employee or agent of the lender, or if at the time the loan was made, an employee or agent of the lender knew of the identity theft of the individual named as the borrower—

(A) The Secretary does not pay reinsurance, and does not reimburse the holder, for any amount disbursed on the loan; and

(B) Any amounts received by a holder as interest benefits and special allowance payments with respect to the loan must be refunded to the Secretary, as provided in paragraphs (e)(8)(ii)(B)(4) and (e)(10)(ii)(D) of this section.

(2) Relief available pursuant to discharge. (i) Discharge under paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section relieves the borrower of an existing or past obligation to repay the loan certified by the school, and any charges imposed or costs incurred by the holder with respect to the loan that the borrower is, or was, otherwise obligated to pay.

(ii) A discharge of a loan under paragraph (e) of this section qualifies the borrower for reimbursement of amounts paid voluntarily or through enforced collection on a loan obligation discharged under paragraph (e) of this section.

(iii) A borrower who has defaulted on a loan discharged under paragraph (e) of this section is not regarded as in default on the loan after discharge, and is eligible to receive assistance under the Title IV, HEA programs.

(iv) A discharge of a loan under paragraph (e) of this section is reported by the loan holder to all credit reporting agencies to which the holder previously reported the status of the loan, so as to delete all adverse or inaccurate credit history assigned to the loan.

(v) Discharge under paragraph (e)(1)(iii) of this section qualifies the borrower for relief only with respect to the amount of the disbursement discharged.

(3) Borrower qualification for discharge. Except as provided in paragraph (e)(15) of this section, to qualify for a discharge of a loan under this paragraph (e), the borrower must submit to the holder of the loan an application for discharge on a form approved by the Secretary. The application need not be notarized, but must be made by the borrower under penalty of perjury, and, in the application, the borrower must—

(i) State whether the student has made a claim with respect to the school's false certification with any third party, such as the holder of a performance bond or a tuition recovery program, and if so, the amount of any payment received by the borrower (or student) or credited to the borrower's loan obligation;

(ii) In the case of a borrower requesting a discharge based on not having had a high school diploma and not having met the alternative to graduation from high school eligibility requirements in 34 CFR 668.32(e) and under section 484(d) of the Act applicable when the loan was certified, and the school or a third party to which the school referred the borrower falsified the student's high school diploma, the borrower must state in the application that the borrower (or the student for whom a parent received a PLUS loan)—

(A) Received, on or after January 1, 1986, the proceeds of any disbursement of a loan disbursed, in whole or in part, on or after January 1, 1986, to attend a school;

(B) Reported not having a valid high school diploma or its equivalent when the loan was certified; and

(C) Did not satisfy the alternative to graduation from high school statutory or regulatory eligibility requirements identified on the application form and applicable when the loan was certified.

(iii) In the case of a borrower requesting a discharge based on a condition that would disqualify the borrower from employment in the occupation that the training program for which the borrower received the loan was intended, the borrower must state in the application that the borrower (or student for whom a parent received a PLUS loan) did not meet State requirements for employment in the student's State of residence in the occupation that the training program for which the borrower received the loan was intended because of a physical or mental condition, age, criminal record, or other reason accepted by the Secretary.

(iv) In the case of a borrower requesting a discharge because the school signed the borrower's name on the loan application or promissory note without the borrower's authorization state that he or she did not sign the document in question or authorize the school to do so.

(v) In the case of a borrower requesting a discharge because the school, without authorization of the borrower, endorsed the borrower's name on the loan check or signed the authorization for electronic funds transfer or master check, the borrower must—

(A) State that he or she did not endorse the loan check or sign the authorization for electronic funds transfer or master check, or authorize the school to do so; and

(B) State that the proceeds of the contested disbursement were not received either through actual delivery of the loan funds or by a credit in the amount of the contested disbursement applied to charges owed to the school for that portion of the educational program completed by the student.

(vi) In the case of an individual whose eligibility to borrow was falsely certified because he or she was a victim of the crime of identity theft and is requesting a discharge—

(A) Certify that the individual did not sign the promissory note, or that any other means of identification used to obtain the loan was used without the authorization of the individual claiming relief;

(B) Certify that the individual did not receive or benefit from the proceeds of the loan with knowledge that the loan had been made without the authorization of the individual; and

(C) Provide a statement of facts and supporting evidence that demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, that the individual's eligibility for the loan in question was falsely certified as a result of identity theft committed against that individual. Supporting evidence may include—

(1) A judicial determination of identity theft relating to the individual;

(2) A Federal Trade Commission identity theft affidavit;

(3) A police report alleging identity theft relating to the individual;

(4) Documentation of a dispute of the validity of the loan due to identity theft filed with at least three major consumer reporting agencies; and

(5) Other evidence acceptable to the Secretary.

(vii) That the borrower agrees to provide upon request by the Secretary or the Secretary's designee, other documentation reasonably available to the borrower, that demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Secretary or the Secretary's designee, that the student meets the qualifications in this paragraph (e); and

(viii) That the borrower agrees to cooperate with the Secretary or the Secretary's designee in enforcement actions in accordance with paragraph (e)(4) of this section, and to transfer any right to recovery against a third party in accordance with paragraph (e)(5) of this section.

(4) Cooperation by borrower in enforcement actions. (i) In any judicial or administrative proceeding brought by the Secretary or the Secretary's designee to recover for amounts discharged under paragraph (e) of this section or to take other enforcement action with respect to the conduct on which those claims were based, a borrower who requests or receives a discharge under paragraph (e) of this section must cooperate with the Secretary or the Secretary's designee. At the request of the Secretary or the Secretary's designee, and upon the Secretary's or the Secretary's designee's tendering to the borrower the fees and costs as are customarily provided in litigation to reimburse witnesses, the borrower shall—

(A) Provide testimony regarding any representation made by the borrower to support a request for discharge; and

(B) Produce any documentation reasonably available to the borrower with respect to those representations and any sworn statement required by the Secretary with respect to those representations and documents.

(ii) The Secretary revokes the discharge, or denies the request for discharge, of a borrower who—

(A) Fails to provide testimony, sworn statements, or documentation to support material representations made by the borrower to obtain the discharge; or

(B) Provides testimony, a sworn statement, or documentation that does not support the material representations made by the borrower to obtain the discharge.

(5) Transfer to the Secretary of borrower's right of recovery against third parties. (i) Upon discharge under paragraph (e) of this section, the borrower is deemed to have assigned to and relinquished in favor of the Secretary any right to a loan refund (up to the amount discharged) that the borrower (or student) may have by contract or applicable law with respect to the loan or the enrollment agreement for the program for which the loan was received, against the school, its principals, affiliates and their successors, its sureties, and any private fund, including the portion of a public fund that represents funds received from a private party.

(ii) The provisions of paragraph (e) of this section apply notwithstanding any provision of state law that would otherwise restrict transfer of such rights by the borrower (or student), limit or prevent a transferee from exercising those rights, or establish procedures or a scheme of distribution that would prejudice the Secretary's ability to recover on those rights.

(iii) Nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting or foreclosing the borrower's (or student's) right to pursue legal and equitable relief regarding disputes arising from matters otherwise unrelated to the loan discharged.

(6) Discharge procedures—general. (i) If the holder of the borrower's loan determines that a borrower's FFEL Program loan may be eligible for a discharge under this section, the holder provides the borrower the application described in paragraph (e)(3) of this section and an explanation of the qualifications and procedures for obtaining a discharge. The holder also promptly suspends any efforts to collect from the borrower on any affected loan. The holder may continue to receive borrower payments.

(ii) If the borrower fails to submit the application for discharge and supporting information described in paragraph (e)(3) of this section within 60 days of the holder providing the application, the holder resumes collection and grants forbearance of principal and interest for the period in which collection activity was suspended.

(iii) If the borrower submits an application for discharge that the holder determines is incomplete, the holder notifies the borrower of that determination and allows the borrower an additional 30-days to amend their application and provide supplemental information. If the borrower does not amend their application within 30 days of receiving the notification from the holder the borrower's application is closed as incomplete and the holder resumes collection of the loan and grants forbearance of principal and interest for the period in which collection activity was suspended.

(iv) If the borrower submits a complete application described in paragraph (e)(3) of this section, the holder files a claim with the guaranty agency no later than 60 days after the holder receives the borrower's complete application.

(v) The guaranty agency determines whether the available evidence supports the claim for discharge. Available evidence includes evidence provided by the borrower and any other relevant information from the guaranty agency's records or gathered by the guaranty agency from other sources, including the Secretary, other guaranty agencies, Federal agencies, State authorities, test publishers, independent test administrators, school records, and cognizant accrediting associations.

(vi) The guaranty agency issues a decision that explains the reasons for any adverse determination on the application, describes the evidence on which the decision was made, and provides the borrower, upon request, copies of the evidence. The guaranty agency considers any response from the borrower and any additional information from the borrower and notifies the borrower whether the determination is changed.

(vii) If the guaranty agency determines that the borrower meets the applicable requirements for a discharge under this paragraph (e), the guaranty agency notifies the borrower in writing of that determination.

(viii) If the guaranty agency determines that the borrower does not qualify for a discharge, the guaranty agency notifies the borrower in writing of that determination and the reasons for the determination.

(ix) If the guaranty agency determines that the borrower does not qualify for a discharge, the borrower may request that the Secretary review the guaranty agency's decision.

(x) A borrower is not precluded from re-applying for a discharge under this paragraph (e) if the discharge request is closed as incomplete, or if the guaranty agency or Secretary determines that the borrower does not qualify for a discharge if the borrower provides additional supporting evidence.

(7) Guaranty agency responsibilities—general. (i) A guaranty agency will notify the Secretary immediately whenever it becomes aware of reliable information indicating that a school may have falsely certified a student's eligibility or caused an unauthorized disbursement of loan proceeds, as described in paragraph (e)(3) of this section. The designated guaranty agency in the State in which the school is located will promptly investigate whether the school has falsely certified a student's eligibility and, within 30 days after receiving information indicating that the school may have done so, report the results of its preliminary investigation to the Secretary.

(ii) If the guaranty agency receives information it believes to be reliable indicating that a borrower whose loan is held by the agency may be eligible for a discharge under this paragraph (e), the agency will immediately suspend any efforts to collect from the borrower on any loan received for the program of study for which the loan was made (but may continue to receive borrower payments) and inform the borrower of the procedures for requesting a discharge.

(iii) If the borrower fails to submit the Secretary's approved application described in paragraph (e)(3) of this section within 60 days of being notified of that option, the guaranty agency will resume collection and will be deemed to have exercised forbearance of payment of principal and interest from the date it suspended collection activity.

(iv) If the borrower submits an application for discharge that the guaranty agency determines is incomplete, the guaranty agency notifies the borrower of that determination and allows the borrower an additional 30-days to amend their application and provide supplemental information. If the borrower does not amend their application within 30 days of receiving the notification from the guaranty agency the borrower's application is closed as incomplete and the guaranty agency resumes collection of the loan and grants forbearance of principal and interest for the period in which collection activity was suspended.

(v) Upon receipt of a discharge claim filed by a lender or a complete application submitted by a borrower with respect to a loan held by the guaranty agency, the agency will have up to 90 days to determine whether the discharge should be granted. The agency will review the borrower's application in light of information available from the records of the agency and from other sources, including other guaranty agencies, State authorities, and cognizant accrediting associations.

(vi) A borrower's application for discharge may not be denied solely on the basis of failing to meet any time limits set by the lender, the Secretary or the guaranty agency.

(8) Guaranty agency responsibilities with respect to a claim filed by a lender. (i) The agency will evaluate the borrower's application and consider relevant information it possesses and information available from other sources, and follow the procedures described in this paragraph (e)(8).

(ii) If the agency determines that the borrower satisfies the requirements for discharge under this paragraph (e), it will, not later than 30 days after the agency makes that determination, pay the claim in accordance with paragraph (h) of this section and—

(A) Notify the borrower that his or her liability with respect to the amount of the loan has been discharged, and that the lender has been informed of the actions required under paragraph (e)(8)(ii)(C) of this section;

(B) Refund to the borrower all amounts paid by the borrower to the lender or the agency with respect to the discharged loan amount, including any late fees or collection charges imposed by the lender or agency related to the discharged loan amount; and

(C) Notify the lender that the borrower's liability with respect to the amount of the loan has been discharged, and that the lender must—

(1) Immediately terminate any collection efforts against the borrower with respect to the discharged loan amount and any charges imposed or costs incurred by the lender related to the discharged loan amount that the borrower is, or was, otherwise obligated to pay; and

(2) Within 30 days, report to all credit reporting agencies to which the lender previously reported the status of the loan, so as to delete all adverse credit history assigned to the loan; and

(D) Within 30 days, demand payment in full from the perpetrator of the identity theft committed against the individual, and if payment is not received, pursue collection action thereafter against the perpetrator.

(iii) If the agency determines that the borrower does not qualify for a discharge, it will, within 30 days after making that determination—

(A) Notify the lender that the borrower's liability on the loan is not discharged and that, depending on the borrower's decision under paragraph (e)(8)(iii)(B) of this section, the loan will either be returned to the lender or paid as a default claim; and

(B) Notify the borrower that the borrower does not qualify for discharge and state the reasons for that conclusion. The agency will advise the borrower that he or she remains obligated to repay the loan and warn the borrower of the consequences of default, and explain that the borrower will be considered to be in default on the loan unless the borrower submits a written statement to the agency within 30 days stating that the borrower—

(1) Acknowledges the debt and, if payments are due, will begin or resume making those payments to the lender; or

(2) Requests the Secretary to review the agency's decision.

(iv) Within 30 days after receiving the borrower's written statement described in paragraph (e)(8)(iii)(B)(1) of this section, the agency will return the claim file to the lender and notify the lender to resume collection efforts if payments are due.

(v) Within 30 days after receiving the borrower's request for review by the Secretary, the agency will forward the claim file to the Secretary for his review and take the actions required under paragraph (e)(12) of this section.

(vi) The agency will pay a default claim to the lender within 30 days after the borrower fails to return either of the written statements described in paragraph (e)(8)(iii)(B) of this section.

(9) Guaranty agency responsibilities with respect to a claim filed by a lender based only on the borrower's assertion that he or she did not sign the loan check or the authorization for the release of loan funds via electronic funds transfer or master check. (i) The agency will evaluate the borrower's request and consider relevant information it possesses and information available from other sources, and follow the procedures described in this paragraph (e)(9).

(ii) If the agency determines that a borrower who asserts that he or she did not endorse the loan check satisfies the requirements for discharge under paragraph (e)(3)(v) of this section, it will, within 30 days after making that determination—

(A) Notify the borrower that his or her liability with respect to the amount of the contested disbursement of the loan has been discharged, and that the lender has been informed of the actions required under paragraph (e)(9)(ii)(B) of this section;

(B) Notify the lender that the borrower's liability with respect to the amount of the contested disbursement of the loan has been discharged, and that the lender must—

(1) Immediately terminate any collection efforts against the borrower with respect to the discharged loan amount and any charges imposed or costs incurred by the lender related to the discharged loan amount that the borrower is, or was, otherwise obligated to pay;

(2) Within 30 days, report to all credit reporting agencies to which the lender previously reported the status of the loan, so as to delete all adverse credit history assigned to the loan;

(3) Refund to the borrower, within 30 days, all amounts paid by the borrower with respect to the loan disbursement that was discharged, including any charges imposed or costs incurred by the lender related to the discharged loan amount; and

(4) Refund to the Secretary, within 30 days, all interest benefits and special allowance payments received from the Secretary with respect to the loan disbursement that was discharged; and

(C) Transfer to the lender the borrower's written assignment of any rights the borrower may have against third parties with respect to a loan disbursement that was discharged because the borrower did not sign the loan check.

(iii) If the agency determines that a borrower who asserts that he or she did not sign the electronic funds transfer or master check authorization satisfies the requirements for discharge under paragraph (e)(3)(v) of this section, it will, within 30 days after making that determination, pay the claim in accordance with paragraph (h) of this section and—

(A) Notify the borrower that his or her liability with respect to the amount of the contested disbursement of the loan has been discharged, and that the lender has been informed of the actions required under paragraph (e)(9)(iii)(C) of this section;

(B) Refund to the borrower all amounts paid by the borrower to the lender or the agency with respect to the discharged loan amount, including any late fees or collection charges imposed by the lender or agency related to the discharged loan amount; and

(C) Notify the lender that the borrower's liability with respect to the contested disbursement of the loan has been discharged, and that the lender must—

(1) Immediately terminate any collection efforts against the borrower with respect to the discharged loan amount and any charges imposed or costs incurred by the lender related to the discharged loan amount that the borrower is, or was, otherwise obligated to pay; and

(2) Within 30 days, report to all credit reporting agencies to which the lender previously reported the status of the loan, so as to delete all adverse credit history assigned to the loan.

(iv) If the agency determines that the borrower does not qualify for a discharge, it will, within 30 days after making that determination—

(A) Notify the lender that the borrower's liability on the loan is not discharged and that, depending on the borrower's decision under paragraph (e)(9)(iv)(B) of this section, the loan will either be returned to the lender or paid as a default claim; and

(B) Notify the borrower that the borrower does not qualify for discharge and state the reasons for that conclusion. The agency will advise the borrower that he or she remains obligated to repay the loan and warn the borrower of the consequences of default, and explain that the borrower will be considered to be in default on the loan unless the borrower submits a written statement to the agency within 30 days stating that the borrower—

(1) Acknowledges the debt and, if payments are due, will begin or resume making those payments to the lender; or

(2) Requests the Secretary to review the agency's decision.

(v) Within 30 days after receiving the borrower's written statement described in paragraph (e)(9)(iv)(B)(1) of this section, the agency will return the claim file to the lender and notify the lender to resume collection efforts if payments are due.

(vi) Within 30 days after receiving the borrower's request for review by the Secretary, the agency will forward the claim file to the Secretary for his review and take the actions required under paragraph (e)(12) of this section.

(vii) The agency will pay a default claim to the lender within 30 days after the borrower fails to return either of the written statements described in paragraph (e)(9)(iv)(B) of this section.

(10) Guaranty agency responsibilities in the case of a loan held by the agency for which a discharge request is submitted by a borrower. (i) The agency will evaluate the borrower's application and consider relevant information it possesses and information available from other sources, and follow the procedures described in this paragraph (e)(10).

(ii) If the agency determines that the borrower satisfies the requirements for discharge under paragraph (e)(3) of this section, it will immediately terminate any collection efforts against the borrower with respect to the discharged loan amount and any charges imposed or costs incurred by the agency related to the discharged loan amount that the borrower is, or was otherwise obligated to pay and, not later than 30 days after the agency makes the determination that the borrower satisfies the requirements for discharge—

(A) Notify the borrower that his or her liability with respect to the amount of the loan has been discharged;

(B) Report to all credit reporting agencies to which the agency previously reported the status of the loan, so as to delete all adverse credit history assigned to the loan;

(C) Refund to the borrower all amounts paid by the borrower to the lender or the agency with respect to the discharged loan amount, including any late fees or collection charges imposed by the lender or agency related to the discharged loan amount; and

(D) Within 30 days, demand payment in full from the perpetrator of the identity theft committed against the individual, and if payment is not received, pursue collection action thereafter against the perpetrator.

(iii) If the agency determines that the borrower does not qualify for a discharge, it will, within 30 days after making that determination, notify the borrower that the borrower's liability with respect to the amount of the loan is not discharged, state the reasons for that conclusion, and if the borrower is not then making payments in accordance with a repayment arrangement with the agency on the loan, advise the borrower of the consequences of continued failure to reach such an arrangement, and that collection action will resume on the loan unless within 30 days the borrower—

(A) Acknowledges the debt and, if payments are due, reaches a satisfactory arrangement to repay the loan or resumes making payments under such an arrangement to the agency; or

(B) Requests the Secretary to review the agency's decision.

(iv) Within 30 days after receiving the borrower's request for review by the Secretary, the agency will forward the borrower's discharge request and all relevant documentation to the Secretary for his review and take the actions required under paragraph (e)(12) of this section.

(v) The agency will resume collection action if within 30 days of giving notice of its determination the borrower fails to seek review by the Secretary or agree to repay the loan.

(11) Guaranty agency responsibilities in the case of a loan held by the agency for which a discharge request is submitted by a borrower based only on the borrower's assertion that he or she did not sign the loan check or the authorization for the release of loan proceeds via electronic funds transfer or master check. (i) The agency will evaluate the borrower's application and consider relevant information it possesses and information available from other sources, and follow the procedures described in this paragraph (e)(11).

(ii) If the agency determines that a borrower who asserts that he or she did not endorse the loan check satisfies the requirements for discharge under paragraph (e)(3)(v) of this section, it will refund to the Secretary the amount of reinsurance payment received with respect to the amount discharged on that loan less any repayments made by the lender under paragraph (e)(11)(ii)(D)(2) of this section, and within 30 days after making that determination—

(A) Notify the borrower that his or her liability with respect to the amount of the contested disbursement of the loan has been discharged;

(B) Report to all credit reporting agencies to which the agency previously reported the status of the loan, so as to delete all adverse credit history assigned to the loan;

(C) Refund to the borrower all amounts paid by the borrower to the lender or the agency with respect to the discharged loan amount, including any late fees or collection charges imposed by the lender or agency related to the discharged loan amount;

(D) Notify the lender to whom a claim payment was made that the lender must refund to the Secretary, within 30 days—

(1) All interest benefits and special allowance payments received from the Secretary with respect to the loan disbursement that was discharged; and

(2) The amount of the borrower's payments that were refunded to the borrower by the guaranty agency under paragraph (e)(11)(ii)(C) of this section that represent borrower payments previously paid to the lender with respect to the loan disbursement that was discharged;

(E) Notify the lender to whom a claim payment was made that the lender must, within 30 days, reimburse the agency for the amount of the loan that was discharged, minus the amount of borrower payments made to the lender that were refunded to the borrower by the guaranty agency under paragraph (e)(11)(ii)(C) of this section; and

(F) Transfer to the lender the borrower's written assignment of any rights the borrower may have against third parties with respect to the loan disbursement that was discharged.

(iii) In the case of a borrower who requests a discharge because he or she did not sign the electronic funds transfer or master check authorization, if the agency determines that the borrower meets the conditions for discharge, it will immediately terminate any collection efforts against the borrower with respect to the discharged loan amount and any charges imposed or costs incurred by the agency related to the discharged loan amount that the borrower is, or was, otherwise obligated to pay, and within 30 days after making that determination—

(A) Notify the borrower that his or her liability with respect to the amount of the contested disbursement of the loan has been discharged;

(B) Refund to the borrower all amounts paid by the borrower to the lender or the agency with respect to the discharged loan amount, including any late fees or collection charges imposed by the lender or agency related to the discharged loan amount; and

(C) Report to all credit reporting agencies to which the lender previously reported the status of the loan, so as to delete all adverse credit history assigned to the loan.

(iv) The agency will take the actions required under paragraphs (e)(10)(iii) through (v) of this section if the agency determines that the borrower does not qualify for a discharge.

(12) Guaranty agency responsibilities if a borrower requests a review by the Secretary. (i) Within 30 days after receiving the borrower's request for review under paragraph (e)(8)(iii)(B)(2), (e)(9)(iv)(B)(2), (e)(10)(iii)(B), or (e)(11)(iv) of this section, the agency will forward the borrower's discharge application and all relevant documentation to the Secretary for review.

(ii) The Secretary notifies the agency and the borrower of a determination on review. If the Secretary determines that the borrower is not eligible for a discharge under this paragraph (e), within 30 days after being so informed, the agency will take the actions described in paragraphs (e)(9)(iv) through (vii) or (e)(10)(iii) through (v) of this section, as applicable.

(iii) If the Secretary determines that the borrower meets the requirements for a discharge under paragraph (e) of this section, the agency will, within 30 days after being so informed, take the actions required under paragraph (e)(8)(ii), (e)(9)(ii) or (iii), (e)(10)(ii), or (e)(11)(ii) or (iii) of this section, as applicable.

(13) Lender responsibilities. (i) If the lender is notified by a guaranty agency or the Secretary, or receives information it believes to be reliable from another source indicating that a current or former borrower may be eligible for a discharge under this paragraph (e), the lender will immediately suspend any efforts to collect from the borrower on any loan received for the program of study for which the loan was made (but may continue to receive borrower payments) and, within 30 days of receiving the information or notification, inform the borrower of the procedures for requesting a discharge.

(ii) If the borrower fails to submit the Secretary's approved application within 60 days of being notified of that option, the lender will resume collection and will be deemed to have exercised forbearance of payment of principal and interest from the date the lender suspended collection activity on the loan. The lender may capitalize, in accordance with § 682.202(b), any interest accrued and not paid during that period.

(iii) If the borrower submits an application for discharge that the lender determines is incomplete, the lender notifies the borrower of that determination and allows the borrower an additional 30-days to amend their application and provide supplemental information. If the borrower does not amend their application within 30 days of receiving the notification from the lender the borrower's application is closed as incomplete and the lender resumes collection of the loan and grants forbearance of principal and interest for the period in which collection activity was suspended.

(iv) The lender will file a claim with the guaranty agency in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section no later than 60 days after the lender receives the borrower's complete application described in paragraph (e)(3) of this section. If a lender receives a payment made by or on behalf of the borrower on the loan after the lender files a claim on the loan with the guaranty agency, the lender will forward the payment to the guaranty agency within 30 days of its receipt. The lender will assist the guaranty agency and the borrower in determining whether the borrower is eligible for discharge of the loan.

(v) The lender will comply with all instructions received from the Secretary or a guaranty agency with respect to loan discharges under this paragraph (e).

(vi) The lender will review a claim that the borrower did not endorse and did not receive the proceeds of a loan check. The lender will take the actions required under paragraphs (e)(9)(ii)(A) and (B) of this section if it determines that the borrower did not endorse the loan check, unless the lender secures persuasive evidence that the proceeds of the loan were received by the borrower or the student for whom the loan was made, as provided in paragraph (e)(1)(iii) of this section. If the lender determines that the loan check was properly endorsed or the proceeds were received by the borrower or student, the lender may consider the borrower's objection to repayment as a statement of intention not to repay the loan and may file a claim with the guaranty agency for reimbursement on that ground but will not report the loan to consumer reporting agencies as in default until the guaranty agency, or, as applicable, the Secretary, reviews the claim for relief. By filing such a claim, the lender will be deemed to have agreed to the following—

(A) If the guarantor or the Secretary determines that the borrower endorsed the loan check or the proceeds of the loan were received by the borrower or the student, any failure to satisfy due diligence requirements by the lender prior to the filing of the claim that would have resulted in the loss of reinsurance on the loan in the event of default will be waived by the Secretary; and

(B) If the guarantor or the Secretary determines that the borrower did not endorse the loan check and that the proceeds of the loan were not received by the borrower or the student, the lender will comply with the requirements specified in paragraph (e)(9)(ii)(B) of this section.

(vii) Within 30 days after being notified by the guaranty agency that the borrower's request for a discharge has been denied, the lender will notify the borrower of the reasons for the denial and, if payments are due, resume collection against the borrower. The lender will be deemed to have exercised forbearance of payment of principal and interest from the date the lender suspended collection activity, and may capitalize, in accordance with § 682.202(b), any interest accrued and not paid during that period.

(14) Definition of identity theft. (i) For purposes of this section, identity theft is defined as the unauthorized use of the identifying information of another individual that is punishable under 18 U.S.C. 1028,1028A,1029,or,or.

(ii) Identifying information includes, but is not limited to—

(A) Name, Social Security number, date of birth, official State or government issued driver's license or identification number, alien registration number, government passport number, and employer or taxpayer identification number;

(B) Unique biometric data, such as fingerprints, voiceprint, retina or iris image, or unique physical representation;

(C) Unique electronic identification number, address, or routing code; or

(D) Telecommunication identifying information or access device (as defined in 18 U.S.C. 1029(e)).

(15) Discharge without an application. A borrower's obligation to repay all or a portion of an FFEL Program loan may be discharged without an application from the borrower if the Secretary, or the guaranty agency with the Secretary's permission, determines based on information in the Secretary's or the guaranty agency's possession that the borrower qualifies for a discharge. Such information includes, but is not limited to, evidence that the school has falsified the Satisfactory Academic Progress of its students, as described in § 668.34 of this chapter.

(16) Application for a group discharge from a State Attorney General or nonprofit legal services representative. A State Attorney General or nonprofit legal services representative may submit to the Secretary an application for a group discharge under this section.

(f) Bankruptcy—(1) General. If a borrower files a petition for relief under the Bankruptcy Code, the Secretary reimburses the holder of the loan for unpaid principal and interest on the loan in accordance with paragraphs (h) through (k) of this section.

(2) Suspension of collection activity. (i) If the lender is notified that a borrower has filed a petition for relief in bankruptcy, the lender must immediately suspend any collection efforts outside the bankruptcy proceeding against the borrower and—

(A) Must suspend any collection efforts against any co-maker or endorser if the borrower has filed for relief under Chapters 12 or 13 of the Bankruptcy Code; or

(B) May suspend any collection efforts against any co-maker or endorser if the borrower has filed for relief under Chapters 7 or 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.

(ii) If the lender is notified that a co-maker or endorser has filed a petition for relief in bankruptcy, the lender must immediately suspend any collection efforts outside the bankruptcy proceeding against the co-maker or endorser and—

(A) Must suspend collection efforts against the borrower and any other parties to the note if the co-maker or endorser has filed for relief under Chapters 12 or 13 of the Bankruptcy Code; or

(B) May suspend any collection efforts against the borrower and any other parties to the note if the co-maker or endorser has filed for relief under Chapters 7 or 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.

(3) Determination of filing. The lender must determine that a borrower has filed a petition for relief in bankruptcy on the basis of receiving a notice of the first meeting of creditors or other proof of filing provided by the debtor's attorney or the bankruptcy court.

(4) Proof of claim. (i) Except as provided in paragraph (f)(4)(ii) of this section, the holder of the loan shall file a proof of claim with the bankruptcy court within—

(A) 30 days after the holder receives a notice of first meeting of creditors unless, in the case of a proceeding under chapter 7, the notice states that the borrower has no assets; or

(B) 30 days after the holder receives a notice from the court stating that a chapter 7 no-asset case has been converted to an asset case.

(ii) A guaranty agency that is a state guaranty agency, and on that basis may assert immunity from suit in bankruptcy court, and that does not assign any loans affected by a bankruptcy filing to another guaranty agency—

(A) Is not required to file a proof of claim on a loan already held by the guaranty agency; and

(B) May direct lenders not to file proofs of claim on loans guaranteed by that agency.

(5) Filing of bankruptcy claim with the guaranty agency. (i) The lender shall file a bankruptcy claim on the loan with the guaranty agency in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section, if—

(A) The borrower has filed a petition for relief under chapters 12 or 13 of the Bankruptcy Code; or

(B) The borrower has filed a petition for relief under chapters 7 or 11 of the Bankruptcy Code before October 8, 1998 and the loan has been in repayment for more than seven years (exclusive of any applicable suspension of the repayment period) from the due date of the first payment until the date of the filing of the petition for relief; or

(C) The borrower has begun an action to have the loan obligation determined to be dischargeable on grounds of undue hardship.

(ii) In cases not described in paragraph (f)(5)(i) of this section, the lender shall continue to hold the loan notwithstanding the bankruptcy proceeding. Once the bankruptcy proceeding is completed or dismissed, the lender shall treat the loan as if the lender had exercised forbearance as to repayment of principal and interest accrued from the date of the borrower's filing of the bankruptcy petition until the date the lender is notified that the bankruptcy proceeding is completed or dismissed.

(g) Claim procedures for a loan held by a lender—(1) Documentation. A lender shall provide the guaranty agency with the following documentation when filing a death, disability, closed school, false certification, or bankruptcy claim:

(i) The original or a true and exact copy of the promissory note.

(ii) The loan application, if a separate loan application was provided to the lender.

(iii) In the case of a death claim, an original or certified death certificate, or other documentation supporting the discharge request that formed the basis for the determination of death.

(iv) In the case of a disability claim, a copy of the notification described in paragraph (c)(3)(iii) or (c)(9)(ix) of this section in which the Secretary notifies the lender that the borrower is totally and permanently disabled.

(v) In the case of a bankruptcy claim—

(A) Evidence that a bankruptcy petition has been filed, all pertinent documents sent to or received from the bankruptcy court by the lender, and an assignment to the guaranty agency of any proof of claim filed by the lender regarding the loan; and

(B) A statement of any facts of which the lender is aware that may form the basis for an objection or exception to the discharge of the borrower's loan obligation in bankruptcy and all documents supporting those facts.

(vi) In the case of a closed school claim, the documentation described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section, or any other documentation as the Secretary may require;

(vii) In the case of a false certification claim, the documentation described in paragraph (e)(3) of this section.

(2) Filing deadlines. A lender shall file a death, disability, closed school, false certification, or bankruptcy claim within the following periods:

(i) Within 60 days of the date on which the lender determines that a borrower (or the student on whose behalf a parent obtained a PLUS loan) has died.

(ii) Within 60 days of the date the lender received notification from the Secretary that the borrower is totally and permanently disabled, in accordance with paragraphs (c)(3)(iii) or (c)(9)(ix) of this section.

(iii) In the case of a closed school claim, the lender shall file a claim with the guaranty agency no later than 60 days after the borrower submits to the lender the written request and sworn statement described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section or after the lender is notified by the Secretary or the Secretary's designee or by the guaranty agency to do so.

(iv) In the case of a false certification claim, the lender shall file a claim with the guaranty agency no later than 60 days after the borrower submits to the lender the written request and sworn statement described in paragraph (e)(3) of this section or after the lender is notified by the Secretary or the Secretary's designee or by the guaranty agency to do so.

(v) A lender shall file a bankruptcy claim with the guaranty agency by the earlier of—

(A) 30 days after the date on which the lender receives notice of the first meeting of creditors or other information described in paragraph (f)(3) of this section; or

(B) 15 days after the lender is served with a complaint or motion to have the loan determined to be dischargeable on grounds of undue hardship, or, if the lender secures an extension of time within which an answer may be filed, 25 days before the expiration of that extended period, whichever is later.

(h) Payment of death, disability, closed school, false certification, and bankruptcy claims by the guaranty agency—(1) General. (i) Except as provided in paragraph (h)(1)(v) of this section, the guaranty agency shall review a death, disability, bankruptcy, closed school, or false certification claim promptly and shall pay the lender on an approved claim the amount of loss in accordance with paragraphs (h)(2) and (h)(3) of this section—

(A) Not later than 45 days after the claim was filed by the lender for death, disability, and bankruptcy claims; and

(B) Not later than 90 days after the claim was filed by the lender for closed school or false certification claims.

(ii) In the case of a bankruptcy claim, the guaranty agency shall, upon receipt of the claim from the lender, immediately take those actions required under paragraph (i) of this section to oppose the discharge of the loan by the bankruptcy court.

(iii) In the case of a closed school claim or a false certification claim based on the determination that the borrower did not sign the loan application, the promissory note, or the authorization for the electronic transfer of loan funds, or that the school failed to test, or improperly tested, the student's ability to benefit, the guaranty agency shall document its determination that the borrower is eligible for discharge under paragraphs (d) or (e) of this section and pay the borrower or the holder the amount determined under paragraph (h)(2) of this section.

(iv) In reviewing a claim under this section, the issue of confirmation of subsequent loans under an MPN will not be reviewed and a claim will not be denied based on the absence of any evidence relating to confirmation in a particular loan file. However, if a court rules that a loan is unenforceable solely because of the lack of evidence of the confirmation process or processes, insurance benefits must be repaid.

(v) In the case of a disability claim based on a veteran's discharge application processed in accordance with paragraph (c)(9) of this section, the guaranty agency must review the claim promptly and not later than 45 days after the claim was filed by the lender pay the claim or return the claim to the lender in accordance with paragraph (c)(9)(xi)(B) of this section.

(2)(i) The amount of loss payable—

(A) On a death or disability claim is equal to the sum of the remaining principal balance and interest accrued on the loan, collection costs incurred by the lender and applied to the borrower's account within 30 days of the date those costs were actually incurred, and unpaid interest up to the date the lender should have filed the claim.

(B) On a bankruptcy claim is equal to the unpaid balance of principal and interest determined in accordance with paragraph (h)(3) of this section.

(ii) The amount of loss payable to a lender on a closed school claim or on a false certification claim is equal to the sum of the remaining principal balance and interest accrued on the loan, collection costs incurred by the lender and applied to the borrower's account within 30 days of the date those costs were actually incurred, and unpaid interest determined in accordance with paragraph (h)(3) of this section.

(iii) In the case of a closed school or false certification claim filed by a lender on an outstanding loan owed by the borrower, on the same date that the agency pays a claim to the lender, the agency shall pay the borrower an amount equal to the amount paid on the loan by or on behalf of the borrower, less any school tuition refunds or payments received by the holder or the borrower from a tuition recovery fund, performance bond, or other third-party source.

(iv) In the case of a claim filed by a lender based on a request received from a borrower whose loan had been repaid in full by, or on behalf of the borrower to the lender, on the same date that the agency notifies the lender that the borrower is eligible for a closed school or false certification discharge, the agency shall pay the borrower an amount equal to the amount paid on the loan by or on behalf of the borrower, less any school tuition refunds or payments received by the holder or the borrower from a tuition recovery fund, performance bond, or other third-party source.

(v) In the case of a loan that has been included in a Consolidation Loan, the agency shall pay to the holder of the borrower's Consolidation Loan, an amount equal to—

(A) The amount paid on the loan by or on behalf of the borrower at the time the loan was paid through consolidation;

(B) The amount paid by the consolidating lender to the holder of the loan when it was repaid through consolidation; minus

(C) Any school tuition refunds or payments received by the holder or the borrower from a tuition recovery fund, performance bond, or other third-party source if those refunds or payments were—

(1) Received by the borrower or received by the holder and applied to the borrower's loan balance before the date the loan was repaid through consolidation; or

(2) Received by the borrower or received by the Consolidation Loan holder on or after the date the consolidating lender made a payment to the former holder to discharge the borrower's obligation to that former holder.

(3) Payment of interest. If the guarantee covers unpaid interest, the amount payable on an approved claim includes the unpaid interest that accrues during the following periods:

(i) During the period before the claim is filed, not to exceed the period provided for in paragraph (g)(2) of this section for filing the claim.

(ii) During a period not to exceed 30 days following the receipt date by the lender of a claim returned by the guaranty agency for additional documentation necessary for the claim to be approved by the guaranty agency.

(iii) During the period required by the guaranty agency to approve the claim and to authorize payment or to return the claim to the lender for additional documentation not to exceed—

(A) 45 days for death, disability, or bankruptcy claims; or

(B) 90 days for closed school or false certification claims.

(i) Guaranty agency participation in bankruptcy proceedings—(1) Undue hardship claims. (i) In response to a petition filed prior to October 8, 1998 with regard to any bankruptcy proceeding by the borrower for discharge under 11 U.S.C. 523(a)(8) on the grounds of undue hardship, the guaranty agency must, on the basis of reasonably available information, determine whether the first payment on the loan was due more than 7 years (exclusive of any applicable suspension of the repayment period) before the filing of that petition and, if so, process the claim.

(ii) In all other cases, the guaranty agency must determine whether repayment under either the current repayment schedule or any adjusted schedule authorized under this part would impose an undue hardship on the borrower and his or her dependents.

(iii) If the guaranty agency determines that repayment would not constitute an undue hardship, the guaranty agency must then determine whether the expected costs of opposing the discharge petition would exceed one-third of the total amount owed on the loan, including principal, interest, late charges, and collection costs. If the guaranty agency has determined that the expected costs of opposing the discharge petition will exceed one-third of the total amount of the loan, it may, but is not required to, engage in the activities described in paragraph (i)(1)(iv) of this section.

(iv) The guaranty agency must use diligence and may assert any defense consistent with its status under applicable law to avoid discharge of the loan. Unless discharge would be more effectively opposed by not taking the following actions, the agency must—

(A) Oppose the borrower's petition for a determination of dischargeability; and

(B) If the borrower is in default on the loan, seek a judgment for the amount owed on the loan.

(v) In opposing a petition for a determination of dischargeability on the grounds of undue hardship, a guaranty agency may agree to discharge of a portion of the amount owed on a loan if it reasonably determines that the agreement is necessary in order to obtain a judgment on the remainder of the loan.

(2) Response by a guaranty agency to plans proposed under Chapters 11, 12, and 13. The guaranty agency shall take the following actions when a petition for relief in bankruptcy under Chapters 11, 12, or 13 is filed:

(i) The agency is not required to respond to a proposed plan that—

(A) Provides for repayment of the full outstanding balance of the loan;

(B) Makes no provision with regard to the loan or to general unsecured claims.

(ii) In any other case, the agency shall determine, based on a review of its own records and documents filed by the debtor in the bankruptcy proceeding—

(A) What part of the loan obligation will be discharged under the plan as proposed;

(B) Whether the plan itself or the classification of the loan under the plan meets the requirements of 11 U.S.C. 1129,1225,or,as; and

(C) Whether grounds exist under 11 U.S.C. 1112,1208,or,as,to.

(iii) If the agency determines that grounds exist to challenge the proposed plan, the agency shall, as appropriate, object to the plan or move to dismiss the case, if—

(A) The costs of litigation of these actions are not reasonably expected to exceed one-third of the amount of the loan to be discharged under the plan; and

(B) With respect to an objection under 11 U.S.C. 1325,the.

(iv) The agency shall monitor the debtor's performance under a confirmed plan. If the debtor fails to make payments required under the plan or seeks but does not demonstrate entitlement to discharge under 11 U.S.C. 1328(b), the agency shall oppose any requested discharge or move to dismiss the case if the costs of litigation together with the costs incurred for objections to the plan are not reasonably expected to exceed one-third of the amount of the loan to be discharged under the plan.

(j) Mandatory purchase by a lender of a loan subject to a bankruptcy claim. (1) The lender shall repurchase from the guaranty agency a loan held by the agency pursuant to a bankruptcy claim paid to that lender, unless the guaranty agency sells the loan to another lender, promptly after the earliest of the following events:

(i) The entry of an order denying or revoking discharge or dismissing a proceeding under any chapter.

(ii) A ruling in a proceeding under chapter 7 or 11 that the loan is not dischargeable under 11 U.S.C. 523(a)(8) or other applicable law.

(iii) The entry of an order granting discharge under chapter 12 or 13, or confirming a plan of arrangement under chapter 11, unless the court determined that the loan is dischargeable under 11 U.S.C. 523(a)(8) on grounds of undue hardship.

(2) The lender may capitalize all outstanding interest accrued on a loan purchased under paragraph (j) of this section to cover any periods of delinquency prior to the bankruptcy action through the date the lender purchases the loan and receives the supporting loan documentation from the guaranty agency.

(k) Claims for reimbursement from the Secretary on loans held by guarantee agencies. (1)(i) The Secretary reimburses the guaranty agency for its losses on bankruptcy claims paid to lenders after—

(A) A determination by the court that the loan is dischargeable under 11 U.S.C. 523(a)(8) with respect to a proceeding initiated under chapter 7 or chapter 11; or

(B) With respect to any other loan, after the agency pays the claim to the lender.

(ii) The guaranty agency shall refund to the Secretary the full amount of reimbursement received from the Secretary on a loan that a lender repurchases under this section.

(2) The Secretary pays a death, disability, bankruptcy, closed school, or false certification claim in an amount determined under § 682.402(k)(5) on a loan held by a guaranty agency after the agency has paid a default claim to the lender thereon and received payment under its reinsurance agreement. The Secretary reimburses the guaranty agency only if—

(i) The Secretary determines that the borrower (or each of the co-makers of a PLUS loan) has become totally and permanently disabled since applying for the loan, or the guaranty agency determines that the borrower (or the student for whom a parent obtained a PLUS loan or each of the co-makers of a PLUS loan) has died, or has filed for relief in bankruptcy, in accordance with the procedures in paragraph (b), (c), or (f) of this section, or the student was unable to complete an educational program because the school closed, or the borrower's eligibility to borrow (or the student's eligibility in the case of a PLUS loan) was falsely certified by an eligible school. For purposes of this paragraph, references to the “lender” and “guaranty agency” in paragraphs (b) through (f) of this section mean the guaranty agency and the Secretary respectively;

(ii) In the case of a Stafford, SLS, or PLUS loan, the Secretary determines that the borrower (or each of the co-makers of a PLUS loan) has become totally and permanently disabled since applying for the loan, the guaranty agency determines that the borrower (or the student for whom a parent obtained a PLUS loan, or each of the co-makers of a PLUS loan) has died, or has filed the petition for relief in bankruptcy within 10 years of the date the borrower entered repayment, exclusive of periods of deferment or periods of forbearance granted by the lender that extended the 10-year maximum repayment period, or the borrower (or the student for whom a parent received a PLUS loan) was unable to complete an educational program because the school closed, or the borrower's eligibility to borrow (or the student's eligibility in the case of a PLUS loan) was falsely certified by an eligible school;

(iii) In the case of a Consolidation loan, the borrower (or one of the co-makers) has died, is determined by the Secretary to be totally and permanently disabled under § 682.402(c), or has filed the petition for relief in bankruptcy within the maximum repayment period described in § 682.209(h)(2), exclusive of periods of deferment or periods of forbearance granted by the lender that extended the maximum repayment period;

(iv) The guaranty agency has not written off the loan in accordance with the procedures established by the agency under § 682.410(b)(6)(x), except for closed school and false certification discharges; and

(v) The guaranty agency has exercised due diligence in the collection of the loan in accordance with the procedures established by the agency under § 682.410(b)(6)(x), until the borrower (or the student for whom a parent obtained a PLUS loan, or each of the co-makers of a PLUS loan) has died, or the borrower (or each of the co-makers of a PLUS loan) has become totally and permanently disabled or filed a Chapter 12 or Chapter 13 petition, or had the loan discharged in bankruptcy, or for closed school and false certification claims, the guaranty agency receives a request for discharge from the borrower or another party.

(3) [Reserved]

(4) Within 30 days of receiving reimbursement for a closed school or false certification claim, the guaranty agency shall pay—

(i) The borrower an amount equal to the amount paid on the loan by or on behalf of the borrower, less any school tuition refunds or payments received by the holder, guaranty agency, or the borrower from a tuition recovery fund, performance bond, or other third-party source; or

(ii) The amount determined under paragraph (h)(2)(iv) of this section to the holder of the borrower's Consolidation Loan.

(5) The Secretary pays the guaranty agency a percentage of the outstanding principal and interest that is equal to the complement of the reinsurance percentage paid on the loan. This interest includes interest that accrues during—

(i) For death or bankruptcy claims, the shorter of 60 days or the period from the date the guaranty agency determines that the borrower (or the student for whom a parent obtained a PLUS loan, or each of the co-makers of a PLUS loan) died, or filed a petition for relief in bankruptcy until the Secretary authorizes payment;

(ii) For disability claims, the shorter of 60 days or the period from the date the Secretary makes a determination that the borrower became totally and permanently disabled until the Secretary authorizes payment; or

(iii) For closed school or false certification claims, the period from the date on which the guaranty agency received payment from the Secretary on a default claim to the date on which the Secretary authorizes payment of the closed school or false certification claim.

(l) Unpaid refund discharge—(1) Unpaid refunds in closed school situations. In the case of a school that has closed, the Secretary reimburses the guarantor of a loan and discharges a former or current borrower's (and any endorser's) obligation to repay that portion of an FFEL Program loan (disbursed, in whole or in part on or after January 1, 1986) equal to the refund that should have been made by the school under applicable Federal law and regulations, including this section. Any accrued interest and other charges (late charges, collection costs, origination fees, and insurance premiums or Federal default fees) associated with the unpaid refund are also discharged.

(2) Unpaid refunds in open school situations. In the case of a school that is open, the guarantor discharges a former or current borrower's (and any endorser's) obligation to repay that portion of an FFEL loan (disbursed, in whole or in part, on or after January 1, 1986) equal to the amount of the refund that should have been made by the school under applicable Federal law and regulations, including this section, if—

(i) The borrower (or the student on whose behalf a parent borrowed) is not attending the school that owes the refund; and

(ii) The guarantor receives documentation regarding the refund and the borrower and guarantor have been unable to resolve the unpaid refund within 120 days from the date the guarantor receivesa complete application in accordance with paragraph (l)(4) of this section. Any accrued interest and other charges (late charges, collection costs, origination fees, and insurance premiums or Federal default fees) associated with the amount of the unpaid refund amount are also discharged.

(3) Relief to borrower (and any endorser) following discharge. (i) If a borrower receives a discharge of a portion of a loan under this section, the borrower is reimbursed for any amounts paid in excess of the remaining balance of the loan (including accrued interest, late charges, collection costs, origination fees, and insurance premiums or Federal default fees) owed by the borrower at the time of discharge.

(ii) The holder of the loan reports the discharge of a portion of a loan under this section to all credit reporting agencies to which the holder of the loan previously reported the status of the loan.

(4) Borrower qualification for discharge. To receive a discharge of a portion of a loan under this section, a borrower must submit a written application to the holder or guaranty agency except as provided in paragraph (l)(5)(iv) of this section. The application requests the information required to calculate the amount of the discharge and requires the borrower to sign a statement swearing to the accuracy of the information in the application. The statement need not be notarized but must be made by the borrower under penalty of perjury. In the statement, the borrower must—

(i) State that the borrower (or the student on whose behalf a parent borrowed)—

(A) Received the proceeds of a loan, in whole or in part, on or after January 1, 1986 to attend a school;

(B) Did not attend, withdrew, or was terminated from the school within a timeframe that entitled the borrower to a refund; and

(C) Did not receive the benefit of a refund to which the borrower was entitled either from the school or from a third party, such as a holder of a performance bond or a tuition recovery program.

(ii) State whether the borrower has any other application for discharge pending for this loan; and

(iii) State that the borrower—

(A) Agrees to provide upon request by the Secretary or the Secretary's designee other documentation reasonably available to the borrower that demonstrates that the borrower meets the qualifications for an unpaid refund discharge under this section; and

(B) Agrees to cooperate with the Secretary or the Secretary's designee in enforcement actions in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section and to transfer any right to recovery against a third party to the Secretary in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section.

(5) Unpaid refund discharge procedures. (i) Except for the requirements of paragraph (l)(5)(iv) of this section related to an open school, if the holder or guaranty agency learns that a school did not pay a refund of loan proceeds owed under applicable law and regulations, the holder or the guaranty agency sends the borrower a discharge application and an explanation of the qualifications and procedures for obtaining a discharge. The holder of the loan also promptly suspends any efforts to collect from the borrower on any affected loan.

(ii) If the borrower returns the application, specified in paragraph (l)(4) of this section, the holder or the guaranty agency must review the application to determine whether the application appears to be complete. In the case of a loan held by a lender, once the lender determines that the application appears complete, it must provide the application and all pertinent information to the guaranty agency including, if available, the borrower's last date of attendance. If the borrower returns the application within 60 days, the lender must extend the period during which efforts to collect on the affected loan are suspended to the date the lender receives either a denial of the request or the unpaid refund amount from the guaranty agency. At the conclusion of the period during which the collection activity was suspended, the lender may capitalize any interest accrued and not paid during that period in accordance with § 682.202(b).

(iii) If the borrower fails to return the application within 60 days, the holder of the loan resumes collection efforts and grants forbearance of principal and interest for the period during which the collection activity was suspended. The holder may capitalize any interest accrued and not paid during that period in accordance with § 682.202(b).

(iv) The guaranty agency may, with the approval of the Secretary, discharge a portion of a loan under this section without an application if the guaranty agency determines, based on information in the guaranty agency's possession, that the borrower qualifies for a discharge.

(v) If the holder of the loan or the guaranty agency determines that the information contained in its files conflicts with the information provided by the borrower, the guaranty agency must use the most reliable information available to it to determine eligibility for and the appropriate payment of the refund amount.

(vi) If the holder of the loan is the guaranty agency and the agency determines that the borrower qualifies for a discharge of an unpaid refund, the guaranty agency must suspend any efforts to collect on the affected loan and, within 30 days of its determination, discharge the appropriate amount and inform the borrower of its determination. Absent documentation of the exact amount of refund due the borrower, the guaranty agency must calculate the amount of the unpaid refund using the unpaid refund calculation defined in paragraph (o) of this section.

(vii) If the guaranty agency determines that a borrower does not qualify for an unpaid refund discharge, (or, if the holder is the lender and is informed by the guarantor that the borrower does not qualify for a discharge)—

(A) Within 30 days of the guarantor's determination, the agency must notify the borrower in writing of the reason for the determination and of the borrower's right to request a review of the agency's determination. The guaranty agency must make a determination within 30 days of the borrower's submission of additional documentation supporting the borrower's eligibility that was not considered in any prior determination. During the review period, collection activities must be suspended; and

(B) The holder must resume collection if the determination remains unchanged and grant forbearance of principal and interest for any period during which collection activity was suspended under this section. The holder may capitalize any interest accrued and not paid during these periods in accordance with § 682.202(b).

(viii) If the guaranty agency determines that a current or former borrower at an open school may be eligible for a discharge under this section, the guaranty agency must notify the lender and the school of the unpaid refund allegation. The notice to the school must include all pertinent facts available to the guaranty agency regarding the alleged unpaid refund. The school must, no later than 60 days after receiving the notice, provide the guaranty agency with documentation demonstrating, to the satisfaction of the guarantor, that the alleged unpaid refund was either paid or not required to be paid.

(ix) In the case of a school that does not make a refund or provide sufficient documentation demonstrating the refund was either paid or was not required, within 60 days of its receipt of the allegation notice from the guaranty agency, relief is provided to the borrower (and any endorser) if the guaranty agency determines the relief is appropriate. The agency must forward documentation of the school's failure to pay the unpaid refund to the Secretary.

(m) Unpaid refund discharge procedures for a loan held by a lender. In the case of an unpaid refund discharge request, the lender must provide the guaranty agency with documentation related to the borrower's qualification for discharge as specified in paragraph (l)(4) of this section.

(n) Payment of an unpaid refund discharge request by a guaranty agency—(1) General. The guaranty agency must review an unpaid refund discharge request promptly and must pay the lender the amount of loss as defined in paragraphs (l)(1) and (l)(2) of this section, related to the unpaid refund not later than 45 days after a properly filed request is made.

(2) Determination of the unpaid refund discharge amount to the lender. The amount of loss payable to a lender on an unpaid refund includes that portion of an FFEL Program loan equal to the amount of the refund required under applicable Federal law and regulations, including this section, and including any accrued interest and other charges (late charges, collection costs, origination fees, and insurance premiums or Federal default fees) associated with the unpaid refund.

(o)(1) Determination of amount eligible for discharge. The guaranty agency determines the amount eligible for discharge based on information showing the refund amount or by applying the appropriate refund formula to information that the borrower provides or that is otherwise available to the guaranty agency. For purposes of this section, all unpaid refunds are considered to be attributed to loan proceeds.

(2) If the information in paragraph (o)(1) of this section is not available, the guaranty agency uses the following formulas to determine the amount eligible for discharge:

(i) In the case of a student who fails to attend or whose withdrawal or termination date is before October 7, 2000 and who completes less than 60 percent of the loan period, the guaranty agency discharges the lesser of the institutional charges unearned or the loan amount. The guaranty agency determines the amount of the institutional charges unearned by—

(A) Calculating the ratio of the amount of time in the loan period after the student's last day of attendance to the actual length of the loan period; and

(B) Multiplying the resulting factor by the institutional charges assessed the student for the loan period.

(ii) In the case of a student who fails to attend or whose withdrawal or termination date is on or after October 7, 2000 and who completes less than 60 percent of the loan period, the guaranty agency discharges the loan amount unearned. The guaranty agency determines the loan amount unearned by—

(A) Calculating the ratio of the amount of time remaining in the loan period after the student's last day of attendance to the actual length of the loan period; and

(B) Multiplying the resulting factor by the total amount of title IV grants and loans received by the student, or if unknown, the loan amount.

(iii) In the case of a student who completes 60 percent or more of the loan period, the guaranty agency does not discharge any amount because a student who completes 60 percent or more of the loan period is not entitled to a refund.

(p) Requests for reimbursement from the Secretary on loans held by guaranty agencies. The Secretary reimburses the guaranty agency for its losses on unpaid refund request payments to lenders or borrowers in an amount that is equal to the amount specified in paragraph (n)(2) of this section.

(q) Payments received after the guaranty agency's payment of an unpaid refund request. (1) The holder must promptly return to the sender any payment on a fully discharged loan, received after the guaranty agency pays an unpaid refund request unless the sender is required to pay (as in the case of a tuition recovery fund) in which case, the payment amount must be forwarded to the Secretary. At the same time that the holder returns the payment, it must notify the borrower that there is no obligation to repay a loan fully discharged.

(2) If the holder has returned a payment to the borrower, or the borrower's representative, with the notice described in paragraph (q)(1) of this section, and the borrower (or representative) continues to send payments to the holder, the holder must remit all of those payments to the Secretary.

(3) If the loan has not been fully discharged, payments must be applied to the remaining debt.

(r) Payments received after the Secretary's payment of a death, disability, closed school, false certification, or bankruptcy claim (1) If the guaranty agency receives any payments from or on behalf of the borrower on or attributable to a loan that has been discharged in bankruptcy on which the Secretary previously paid a bankruptcy claim, the guaranty agency must return 100 percent of these payments to the sender. The guaranty agency must promptly return, to the sender, any payment on a cancelled or discharged loan made by the sender and received after the Secretary pays a closed school or false certification claim. At the same time that the agency returns the payment, it must notify the borrower that there is no obligation to repay a loan discharged on the basis of death, bankruptcy, false certification, or closing of the school.

(2) If the guaranty agency receives any payments from or on behalf of the borrower on or attributable to a loan that has been assigned to the Secretary based on the determination that the borrower is eligible for a total and permanent disability discharge, the guaranty agency must promptly return these payments to the sender. At the same time that the agency returns the payments, it must notify the borrower that there is no obligation to make payments on the loan after it has been discharged due to a total and permanent disability, unless the loan is reinstated in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section, or the Secretary directs the borrower otherwise.

(3) When the Secretary discharges the loan, the Secretary returns to the sender any payments received by the Secretary on the loan after the date the borrower became totally and permanently disabled.

(4) The guaranty agency shall remit to the Secretary all payments received from a tuition recovery fund, performance bond, or other third party with respect to a loan on which the Secretary previously paid a closed school or false certification claim.

(5) If the guaranty agency has returned a payment to the borrower, or the borrower's representative, with the notice described in paragraphs (r)(1) or (r)(2) of this section, and the borrower (or representative) continues to send payments to the guaranty agency, the agency must remit all of those payments to the Secretary.

(s) Applicable suspension of the repayment period. For purposes of this section and 11 U.S.C. 523(a)(8)(A) with respect to loans guaranteed under the FFEL Program, an applicable suspension of the repayment period—

(1) Includes any period during which the lender does not require the borrower to make a payment on the loan.

(2) Begins on the date on which the borrower qualifies for the requested deferment as provided in § 682.210(a)(5) or the lender grants the requested forbearance;

(3) Closes on the later of the date on which—

(i) The condition for which the requested deferment or forbearance was received ends; or

(ii) The lender receives notice of the end of the condition for which the requested deferment or forbearance was received, if the condition ended earlier than represented by the borrower at the time of the request and the borrower did not notify timely the lender of the date on which the condition actually ended;

(4) Includes the period between the end of the borrower's grace period and the first payment due date established by the lender in the case of a borrower who entered repayment without the knowledge of the lender;

(5) Includes the period between the filing of the petition for relief and the date on which the proceeding is completed or dismissed, unless payments have been made during that period in amounts sufficient to meet the amount owed under the repayment schedule in effect when the petition was filed.

[57 FR 60323, Dec. 18, 1992] Editorial Note:For Federal Register citations affecting § 682.402, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

(a) General. (1) The Secretary may enter into a reinsurance agreement with a guaranty agency that has a basic program agreement. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, under a reinsurance agreement, the Secretary reimburses the guaranty agency for—

(i) 95 percent of its losses on default claim payments to lenders on loans for which the first disbursement is made on or after October 1, 1998;

(ii) 98 percent of its losses on default claim payments to lenders for loans for which the first disbursement is made on or after October 1, 1993, and before October 1, 1998; or

(iii) 100 percent of its losses on default claim payments to lenders—

(A) For loans for which the first disbursement is made prior to October 1, 1993;

(B) For loans made under an approved lender-of-last-resort program;

(C) For loans transferred under a plan approved by the Secretary from an insolvent guaranty agency or a guaranty agency that withdraws its participation in the FFEL Program;

(D) For loans that meet the definition of exempt claims in paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this section;

(E) For a guaranty agency that entered into a basic program agreement under section 428(b) of the Act after September 30, 1976, or was not actively carrying on a loan guarantee program covered by a basic program agreement on October 1, 1976 for five consecutive fiscal years beginning with the first year of its operation.

(2) For purposes of this section—

(i) Losses means the amount of unpaid principal and accrued interest the agency paid on a default claim filed by a lender on a reinsured loan, minus payments made by or on behalf of the borrower after default but before the Secretary reimburses the agency;

(ii) Default aversion assistance means the activities of a guaranty agency that are designed to prevent a default by a borrower who is at least 60 days delinquent and that are directly related to providing collection assistance to the lender.

(iii) Exempt claims means claims with respect to loans for which it is determined that the borrower (or student on whose behalf a parent has borrowed), without the lender's or the institution's knowledge at the time the loan was made, provided false or erroneous information or took actions that caused the borrower or the student to be ineligible for all of a portion of the loan or for interest benefits on the loan.

(3) A guaranty agency's loss on a loan that was outstanding when a reinsurance agreement was executed is covered by the reinsurance agreement only if the default on the loan occurs after the effective date of the agreement.

(4) If a lender has requested default aversion assistance as described in paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section, the agency must, upon request of the school at which the borrower received the loan, notify the school of the lender's request. The guaranty agency may not charge the school or the school's agent for providing this notification and must accept a blanket request from the school to be notified whenever any of the school's current or former students are the subject of a default aversion assistance request. The agency must notify schools annually of the option to make this blanket request.

(b) Reduction in reinsurance rate. (1) If the total of reinsurance claims paid by the Secretary to a guaranty agency during any fiscal year reaches 5 percent of the amount of loans in repayment at the end of the preceding fiscal year, the Secretary's reinsurance payment on a default claim subsequently paid by the guaranty agency during that fiscal year equals—

(i) 90 percent of its losses on default claim payments to lenders on loans for which the first disbursement is made before October 1, 1993 or transferred under a plan approved by the Secretary from an insolvent guaranty agency or a guaranty agency that withdraws its participation in the FFEL Program;

(ii) 88 percent of its losses on default claim payments to lenders on loans for which the first disbursement is made on or after October 1, 1993, and before October 1, 1998; or

(iii) 85 percent of its losses on default claim payments to lenders on loans for which the first disbursement is made on or after October 1, 1998.

(2) If the total of reinsurance claims paid by the Secretary to a guaranty agency during any fiscal year reaches 9 percent of the amount of loans in repayment at the end of the preceding fiscal year, the Secretary's reinsurance payment on a default claim subsequently paid by the guaranty agency during that fiscal year equals—

(i) 80 percent of its losses on default claim payments to lenders on loans for which the first disbursement is made before October 1, 1993 or transferred under a plan approved by the Secretary from an insolvent guaranty agency or a guaranty agency that withdraws its participation in the FFEL Program;

(ii) 78 percent of its losses on default claim payments to lenders on loans for which the first disbursement is made on or after October 1, 1993, and before October 1, 1998; or

(iii) 75 percent of its losses on default claim payments to lenders on loans for which the first disbursement is made on or after October 1, 1998.

(3) For purposes of this section, the total of reinsurance claims paid by the Secretary to a guaranty agency during any fiscal year does not include amounts paid on claims by the guaranty agency—

(i) On loans considered in default under § 682.412(e);

(ii) Under a policy established by the agency that addresses instances in which, for a non-school originated loan, a lender learns that the school terminated its teaching activities while a student was enrolled during the academic period covered by the loan;

(iii) That were filed by lenders at the direction of the Secretary; or

(iv) On loans made under a guaranty agency's approved lender-of-last-resort program.

(4) For purposes of this section, amount of loans in repayment means—

(i) The sum of—

(A) The original principal amount of all loans guaranteed by the agency; and

(B) The original principal amount of any loans on which the guarantee was transferred to the agency from another agency;

(ii) Minus the original principal amount of all loans on which—

(A) The loan guarantee was canceled;

(B) The loan guarantee was transferred to another agency;

(C) The borrower has not yet reached the repayment period;

(D) Payment in full has been made by the borrower;

(E) The borrower was in deferment status at the time repayment was scheduled to begin and remains in deferment status;

(F) Reinsurance coverage has been lost and cannot be regained; and

(G) The agency paid claims, excluding the amount of those claims—

(1) Paid under § 682.412(e);

(2) Paid under a policy established by the agency that addresses the condition identified in paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section; or

(3) Paid at the direction of the Secretary.

(c) Submission of reinsurance rate base data. The guaranty agency shall submit to the Secretary the quarterly report required by the Secretary for the previous quarter ending September 30 containing complete and accurate data in order for the Secretary to calculate the amount of loans in repayment at the end of the preceding fiscal year. The Secretary does not pay a reinsurance claim to the guaranty agency after the date the guarterly report is due until the quaranty agency submits a complete and accurate report.

(d) Reinsurance fee. (1) Except for loans that were refinanced pursuant to section 428B(e)(2) and (3) of the Act, and all loans guaranteed on or after October 1, 1993, a guaranty agency shall pay to the Secretary during each fiscal year in quarterly installments a reinsurance fee equal to—

(i) 0.25 percent of the total principal amount of the Stafford, SLS, and PLUS loans on which guarantees were issued by that agency during that fiscal year; or

(ii) 0.5 percent of the total principal amount of the Stafford, SLS, and PLUS loans on which guarantees were issued by that agency during that fiscal year if the agency's reinsurance claims paid reach the amount described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section at any time during that fiscal year.

(2) The agency that is the original guarantor of a loan shall pay the reinsurance fee to the Secretary even if the guaranty agency transfers its guarantee obligation on the loan to another guaranty agency.

(3) The guaranty agency shall pay the reinsurance fee required by paragraph (d)(1) of this section due the Secretary for each calendar quarter ending March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31, within 90 days after the end of the applicable quarter or within 30 days after receiving written notice from the Secretary that the fees are due, whichever is earlier.

(e) Initiation or extension of agreements. In deciding whether to enter into or extend a reinsurance agreement, or, if an agreement has been terminated, whether to enter into a new agreement, the Secretary considers the adequacy of—

(1) Efforts by the guaranty agency and the lenders to which it provides guarantees to collect outstanding loans as required by § 682.410(b) (6) or (7), and § 682.411;

(2) Efforts by the guaranty agency to make FFEL loans available to all eligible borrowers; and

(3) Other relevant aspects of the guaranty agency's program operations.

(f) Application of borrower payments. A payment made to a guaranty agency by a borrower on a defaulted loan must be applied first to the collection costs incurred to collect that amount and then to other incidental charges, such as late charges, then to accrued interest and then to principal.

(g) Share of borrower payments returned to the Secretary. (1) After an agency pays a default claim to a holder using assets of the Federal Fund, the agency must pay to the Secretary the portion of payments received on those defaulted loans remaining after—

(i) The agency deposits into the Federal Fund the amount of those payments equal to the applicable complement of the reinsurance percentage that was in effect at the time the claim was paid; and

(ii) The agency has deducted an amount equal to—

(A) 30 percent of borrower payments received before October 1, 1993;

(B) 27 percent of borrower payments received on or after October 1, 1993, and before October 1, 1998;

(C) 24 percent of borrower payments received on or after October 1, 1998, and before October 1, 2003; and

(D) 23 percent of borrower payments received on or after October 1, 2003.

(E) 16 percent of borrower payments received on or after October 1, 2007.

(2) Unless the Secretary approves otherwise, the guaranty agency must pay to the Secretary the Secretary's share of borrower payments within 45 days of its receipt of the payments.

(h) Account maintenance fee. A guaranty agency is paid an account maintenance fee based on the original principal amount of outstanding FFEL Program loans insured by the agency. For fiscal years 1999 and 2000, the fee is 0.12 percent of the original principal amount of outstanding loans. For fiscal years 2000 through 2007, the fee is 0.10 percent of the original principal amount of outstanding loans. After fiscal year 2007, the fee is 0.06 percent of the original principal amount of outstanding loans.

(i) Loan processing and issuance fee. A guaranty agency is paid a loan processing and issuance fee based on the principal amount of FFEL Program loans originated during a fiscal year that are insured by the agency. The fee is paid quarterly. No payment is made for loans for which the disbursement checks have not been cashed or for which electronic funds transfers have not been completed. For fiscal years 1999 through 2003, the fee is 0.65 percent of the principal amount of loans originated. Beginning October 1, 2003, the fee is 0.40 percent.

(j) Default aversion fee—(1) General. If a guaranty agency performs default aversion activities on a delinquent loan in response to a lender's request for default aversion assistance on that loan, the agency receives a default aversion fee. The fee may not be paid more than once on any loan. The lender's request for assistance must be submitted to the guaranty agency no earlier than the 60th day and no later than the 120th day of the borrower's delinquency. A guaranty agency may not restrict a lender's choice of the date during this period on which the lender submits a request for default aversion assistance.

(2) Amount of fees transferred. No more frequently than monthly, a guaranty agency may transfer default aversion fees from the Federal Fund to its Operating Fund. The amount of the fees that may be transferred is equal to—

(i) One percent of the unpaid principal and accrued interest owed on loans that were submitted by lenders to the agency for default aversion assistance; minus

(ii) One percent of the unpaid principal and accrued interest owed by borrowers on default claims that—

(A) Were paid by the agency for the same time period for which the agency transferred default aversion fees from its Federal Fund; and

(B) For which default aversion fees have been received by the agency.

(3) Calculation of fee. (i) For purposes of calculating the one percent default aversion fee described in paragraph (j)(2)(i) of this section, the agency must use the total unpaid principal and accrued interest owed by the borrower as of the date the default aversion assistance request is submitted by the lender.

(ii) For purposes of paragraph (j)(2)(ii) of this section, the agency must use the total unpaid principal and accrued interest owed by the borrower as of the date the agency paid the default claim.

(4) Prohibition against conflicts. If a guaranty agency contracts with an outside entity to perform any default aversion activities, that outside entity may not—

(i) Hold or service the loan; or

(ii) Perform collection activities on the loan in the event of default within 3 years of the claim payment date.

(k) Other terms. The reinsurance agreement contains other terms and conditions that the Secretary finds necessary to—

(1) Promote the purposes of the FFEL programs and to protect the United States from unreasonable risks of loss;

(2) Ensure proper and efficient administration of the loan guarantee program; and

(3) Ensure that due diligence will be exercised in the collection of loans.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1845-0020) (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1078,1078,1078,1078,1082,Dec. 18, 1992, as amended at 58 FR 9119, Feb. 19, 1993; 59 FR 25746, May 17, 1994; 59 FR 61429, Nov. 30, 1994; 60 FR 31411, June 15, 1995; 61 FR 60486, Nov. 27, 1996; 64 FR 18980, Apr. 16, 1999; 64 FR 58628, Oct. 29, 1999; 71 FR 45707, Aug. 9, 2006; 72 FR 62006, Nov. 1, 2007; 78 FR 65815, Nov. 1, 2013]

(a) General. (1) A guaranty agency that has a basic program agreement must enter into a loan rehabilitation agreement with the Secretary. The guaranty agency must establish a loan rehabilitation program for all borrowers with an enforceable promissory note for the purpose of rehabilitating defaulted loans, except for loans for which a judgment has been obtained, loans on which a default claim was filed under § 682.412, and loans on which the borrower has been convicted of, or has pled nolo contendere or guilty to, a crime involving fraud in obtaining title IV, HEA program assistance, so that the loan may be purchased, if practicable, by an eligible lender and removed from default status.

(2) A loan is considered to be rehabilitated only after—

(i) The borrower has made and the guaranty agency has received nine of the ten qualifying payments required under a monthly repayment agreement.

(A) A qualifying payment is—

(1) Made voluntarily;

(2) In the full amount required; and

(3) Received within 20 days of the due date for the payment, and

(B) All nine payments are received within a 10-month period that begins with the month in which the first required due date falls and ends with the ninth consecutive calendar month following that month, and

(ii) The loan has been sold to an eligible lender or assigned to the Secretary.

(3)(i) If a borrower's loan is being collected by administrative wage garnishment while the borrower is also making monthly payments on the same loan under a loan rehabilitation agreement, the guaranty agency must continue collecting the loan by administrative wage garnishment until the borrower makes five qualifying monthly payments under the rehabilitation agreement, unless the guaranty agency is otherwise precluded from doing so under § 682.410(b)(9).

(ii) After the borrower makes the fifth qualifying monthly payment, the guaranty agency must, unless otherwise directed by the borrower, suspend the garnishment order issued to the borrower's employer.

(iii) A borrower may only obtain the benefit of a suspension of administrative wage garnishment while also attempting to rehabilitate a defaulted loan once.

(4) After the loan has been rehabilitated, the borrower regains all benefits of the program, including any remaining deferment eligibility under section 428(b)(1)(M) of the Act, from the date of the rehabilitation. Effective for any loan that is rehabilitated on or after August 14, 2008, the borrower cannot rehabilitate the loan again if the loan returns to default status following the rehabilitation.

(b) Terms of agreement. In the loan rehabilitation agreement, the guaranty agency agrees to ensure that its loan rehabilitation program meets the following requirements at all times:

(1) A borrower may request rehabilitation of the borrower's defaulted loan held by the guaranty agency. In order to be eligible for rehabilitation of the loan, the borrower must voluntarily make at least 9 of the 10 payments required under a monthly repayment agreement.

(i) Each payment must be—

(A) Made voluntarily;

(B) For the full amount required;

(C) Received within 20 days of the due date for the payment; and

(D) Reasonable and affordable.

(ii) All 9 payments must be received within a 10-month period that begins with the month in which the first required due date falls and ends with the ninth consecutive calendar month following that month.

(iii) The guaranty agency initially considers the borrower's reasonable and affordable payment amount to be an amount equal to 15 percent of the amount by which the borrower's Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) exceeds 150 percent of the poverty guideline amount applicable to the borrower's family size and State, divided by 12, except that if this amount is less than $5, the borrower's monthly rehabilitation payment is $5.

(iv) The guaranty agency or its agents may calculate the payment amount based on information provided orally by the borrower or the borrower's representative and provide the borrower with a rehabilitation agreement using that amount. The guaranty agency must request documentation from the borrower to confirm the borrower's AGI and family size. If the borrower does not provide the guaranty agency or its agents with any documentation requested by the guaranty agency to calculate or confirm the reasonable and affordable payment amount, within a reasonable time deadline set by the guaranty agency or its agent, the rehabilitation agreement provided is null and void.

(v) The reasonable and affordable payment amount calculated under this section must not be—

(A) A required minimum loan payment amount (e.g., $50) if the agency determines that a smaller amount is reasonable and affordable;

(B) A percentage of the borrower's total loan balance; or

(C) Based on other criteria unrelated to the borrower's total financial circumstances.

(vi) Within 15 business days of its determination of the borrower's loan rehabilitation payment amount, the guaranty agency must provide the borrower with a written rehabilitation agreement which includes the borrower's payment amount calculated under paragraph (b)(1)(iii), a prominent statement that the borrower may object orally or in writing to the payment amount, with the method and timeframe for raising such an objection, and an explanation of any other terms and conditions applicable to the required series of payments that must be made before the borrower's account can be considered for repurchase by an eligible lender or assignment to the Secretary (i.e., rehabilitated). To accept the agreement, the borrower must sign and return the agreement or accept the agreement electronically under a process provided by the agency. The agency may not impose any conditions unrelated to the amount or timing of the rehabilitation payments in the rehabilitation agreement. The written rehabilitation agreement must inform the borrower—

(A) Of the effects of having the loans rehabilitated (e.g., removal of the record of default from the borrower's credit history and return to normal repayment);

(B) Of the amount of any collection costs to be added to the unpaid principal of the loan when the loan is sold to an eligible lender or assigned to the Secretary, which may not exceed 16 percent of the unpaid principal and accrued interest on the loan at the time of the sale or assignment; and

(C) That the rehabilitation agreement is null and void if the borrower fails to provide the documentation required to confirm the monthly payment calculated under paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section.

(vii) If the borrower objects to the monthly payment amount determined under paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section, the guaranty agency or its agents must recalculate the payment amount based solely on information provided on a form approved by the Secretary and, if requested, supporting documentation from the borrower and other sources, and must consider—

(A) The borrower's, and if applicable, the spouse's current disposable income, including public assistance payments, and other income received by the borrower and the spouse, such as welfare benefits, Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income, and workers' compensation. Spousal income is not considered if the spouse does not contribute to the borrower's household income;

(B) Family size as defined in § 682.215(a)(3); and

(C) Reasonable and necessary expenses, which include—

(1) Food;

(2) Housing;

(3) Utilities;

(4) Basic communication expenses;

(5) Necessary medical and dental costs;

(6) Necessary insurance costs;

(7) Transportation costs;

(8) Dependent care and other work-related expenses;

(9) Legally required child and spousal support;

(10) Other title IV and non-title IV student loan payments; and

(11) Other expenses approved by the Secretary.

(viii) The guaranty agency must provide the borrower with a new written rehabilitation agreement confirming the borrower's recalculated reasonable and affordable payment amount within the timeframe specified in paragraph (b)(1)(vii) of this section. To accept the agreement, the borrower must sign and return the agreement or accept the agreement electronically under a process provided by the agency.

(ix) The agency must include any payment made under § 682.401(b)(1) in determining whether the 9 out of 10 payments required under paragraph (b)(1) of this section have been made.

(x) A borrower may request that the monthly payment amount be adjusted due to a change in the borrower's total financial circumstances only upon providing the documentation specified in paragraph (b)(1)(vii) of this section.

(xi) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, during the rehabilitation period, the guaranty agency must limit contact with the borrower on the loan being rehabilitated to collection activities that are required by law or regulation and to communications that support the rehabilitation.

(2)(i) For the purposes of this section, payment in the full amount required means payment of an amount that is reasonable and affordable, based on the borrower's total financial circumstances, as agreed to by the borrower and the agency. Voluntary payments are those made directly by the borrower and do not include payments obtained by Federal offset, garnishment, income or asset execution, or after a judgment has been entered on a loan. A guaranty agency must attempt to secure a lender to purchase the loan at the end of the 9- or 10-month payment period as applicable.

(ii) If the guaranty agency has been unable to sell the loan, the guaranty agency must assign the loan to the Secretary.

(3) Upon the sale of a rehabilitated loan to an eligible lender or assignment to the Secretary—

(i) The guaranty agency must, within 45 days of the sale or assignment—

(A) Provide notice to the prior holder of such sale or assignment, and

(B) Request that any consumer reporting agency to which the default was reported remove the record of default from the borrower's credit history.

(ii) The prior holder of the loan must, within 30 days of receiving the notification from the guaranty agency, request that any consumer reporting agency to which the default claim payment or other equivalent record was reported remove such record from the borrower's credit history.

(4)(i) An eligible lender purchasing a rehabilitated loan must establish a repayment schedule that meets the same requirements that are applicable to other FFEL Program loans of the same loan type as the rehabilitated loan and must permit the borrower to choose any statutorily available repayment plan for that loan type. The lender must treat the first payment made under the nine payments as the first payment under the applicable maximum repayment term, as defined under § 682.209(a) or (e). For Consolidation loans, the maximum repayment term is based on the balance outstanding at the time of loan rehabilitation.

(ii) The lender must not consider the purchase of a rehabilitated loan as entry into repayment or resumption of repayment for the purposes of interest capitalization under § 682.202(b).

(c) A guaranty agency must make available to the borrower—

(1) During the loan rehabilitation period, information about repayment plans, including the income-based repayment plan, that may be available to the borrower upon rehabilitating the defaulted loan and how the borrower can select a repayment plan after the loan is purchased by an eligible lender or assigned to the Secretary; and

(2) After the successful completion of the loan rehabilitation period, financial and economic education materials, including debt management information.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1078-6) (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1845-0020) [59 FR 33355, June 28, 1994, as amended at 60 FR 30788, June 12, 1995; 64 FR 18980, Apr. 16, 1999; 64 FR 58965, Nov. 1, 1999; 66 FR 34764, June 29, 2001; 67 FR 67080, Nov. 1, 2002; 68 FR 75429, Dec. 31, 2003; 71 FR 45707, Aug. 9, 2006; 71 FR 64398, Nov. 1, 2006; 73 FR 63254, Oct. 23, 2008; 74 FR 56000, Oct. 29, 2009; 78 FR 65815, Nov. 1, 2013; 80 FR 67237, Oct. 30, 2015; 81 FR 76080, Nov. 1, 2016]

(a) A guaranty agency may make a claim payment from the Federal Fund and receive a reinsurance payment on a loan only if—

(1) The lender exercised due diligence in making, disbursing, and servicing the loan as prescribed by the rules of the agency;

(2) With respect to the reinsurance payment on the portion of a loan represented by a single disbursement of loan proceeds—

(i) The check for the disbursement was cashed within 120 days after disbursement; or

(ii) The proceeds of the disbursement made by electronic funds transfer or master check have been released from the restricted account maintained by the school within 120 days after disbursement;

(3) The lender provided an accurate collection history and an accurate payment history to the guaranty agency with the default claim filed on the loan showing that the lender exercised due diligence in collecting the loan through collection efforts meeting the requirements of § 682.411, including collection efforts against each endorser;

(4) The loan was in default before the agency paid a default claim filed thereon;

(5) The lender filed a default claim thereon with the guaranty agency within 90 days of default;

(6) The lender resubmitted a properly documented default claim to the guaranty agency not later than 60 days from the date the agency had returned that claim due solely to inadequate documentation, except that interest accruing beyond the 30th day after the date the guaranty agency returned the claim is not reinsured unless the lender files a claim for loss on the loan with the guarantor together with all required documentation, prior to the 30th day;

(7) The lender satisfied all conditions of guarantee coverage set by the agency, unless the agency reinstated guarantee coverage on the loan following the lender's failure to satisfy such a condition pursuant to written policies and procedures established by the agency;

(8) The agency paid or returned to the lender for additional documentation a default claim thereon filed by the lender within 90 days of the date the lender filed the claim or, if applicable, the additional documentation, except that interest accruing beyond the 60th day after the date the lender originally filed the claim is not reinsured;

(9) The agency submitted a request for the payment on a form required by the Secretary no later than 30 days following payment of a default claim to the lender;

(10) The loan was legally enforceable by the lender when the agency paid a claim on the loan to the lender;

(11) The agency exercised due diligence in collection of the loan in accordance with § 682.410(b)(6);

(12) The agency and lender, if applicable, complied with all other Federal requirements with respect to the loan including—

(i) Payment of origination fees;

(ii) For Consolidation loans disbursed on or after October 1, 1993, and prior to October 1, 1998, payment on a monthly basis, of an interest payment rebate fee calculated on an annual basis and equal to 1.05 percent of the unpaid principal and accrued interest on the loan;

(iii) For Consolidation loans for which the application was received by the lender on or after October 1, 1998 and prior to February 1, 1999, payment on a monthly basis, of an interest payment rebate fee calculated on an annual basis and equal to 0.62 percent of the unpaid principal and accrued interest on the loan;

(iv) For Consolidation loans disbursed on or after February 1, 1999 and prior to July 1, 2010, payment of an interest payment rebate fee in accordance with paragraph (a)(12)(ii) of this section; and

(v) Compliance with all default aversion assistance requirements in § 682.404(a)(2)(ii).

(13) The agency assigns the loan to the Secretary, if so directed, in accordance with the requirements of § 682.409; and

(14) The guaranty agency certifies to the Secretary that diligent attempts have been made by the lender and the guaranty agency under § 682.411(h) to locate the borrower through the use of effective skip-tracing techniques, including contact with the schools the student attended.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, the Secretary may waive his right to refuse to make or require repayment of a reinsurance payment if, in the Secretary's judgment, the best interests of the United States so require. The Secretary's waiver policy for violations of paragraph (a)(3) or (a)(5) of this section is set forth in appendix D to this part.

(c) In evaluating a claim for insurance or reinsurance, the issue of confirmation of subsequent loans under an MPN will not be reviewed and a claim will not be denied based on the absence of any evidence relating to confirmation in a particular loan file. However, if a court rules that a loan is unenforceable solely because of the lack of evidence of a confirmation process or processes, insurance and reinsurance benefits must be repaid.

(d) A guaranty agency may not make a claim payment from the Federal Fund or receive a reinsurance payment on a loan if the agency determines or is notified by the Secretary that the lender offered or provided an improper inducement as described in paragraph (5)(i) of the definition of lender in § 682.200(b).

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1845-0020) (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1078,1078,1078,1078,1082,Dec. 18, 1992, as amended at 58 FR 9119, Feb. 19, 1993; 59 FR 25746, May 17, 1994; 59 FR 33356, June 28, 1994; 59 FR 61429, Nov. 30, 1994; 61 FR 60486, Nov. 27, 1996; 64 FR 18980, Apr. 16, 1999; 64 FR 58629, Oct. 29, 1999; 64 FR 58963, Nov. 1, 1999; 65 FR 65620, Nov. 1, 2000; 66 FR 34764, June 29, 2001; 71 FR 45708, Aug. 9, 2006; 72 FR 62006, Nov. 1, 2007; 78 FR 65816, Nov. 1, 2013]

(a) Definition of terms. As used in this section—

(1) Eligible public servant means an individual who—

(i) Served as a police officer, firefighter, other safety or rescue personnel, or as a member of the Armed Forces; and

(ii)(A) Died due to injuries suffered in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001; or

(B) Became permanently and totally disabled due to injuries suffered in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

(2) Eligible victim means an individual who died due to injuries suffered in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 or became permanently and totally disabled due to injuries suffered in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

(3) Eligible parent means the parent of an eligible victim if—

(i) The parent owes a FFEL PLUS Loan incurred on behalf of an eligible victim; or

(ii) The parent owes a FFEL Consolidation Loan that was used to repay a FFEL or Direct Loan PLUS Loan incurred on behalf of an eligible victim.

(4) Died due to injuries suffered in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 means the individual was present at the World Trade Center in New York City, New York, at the Pentagon in Virginia, or at the Shanksville, Pennsylvania site at the time of or in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes on September 11, 2001, and the individual died as a direct result of these crashes.

(5) Became permanently and totally disabled due to injuries suffered in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 means the individual was present at the World Trade Center in New York City, New York, at the Pentagon in Virginia, or at the Shanksville, Pennsylvania site at the time of or in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes on September 11, 2001 and the individual became permanently and totally disabled as a direct result of these crashes.

(i) An individual is considered permanently and totally disabled if—

(A) The disability is the result of a physical injury to the individual that was treated by a medical professional within 72 hours of the injury having been sustained or within 72 hours of the rescue;

(B) The physical injury that caused the disability is verified by contemporaneous medical records created by or at the direction of the medical professional who provided the medical care; and

(C) The individual is unable to work and earn money due to the disability and the disability is expected to continue indefinitely or result in death.

(ii) If the injuries suffered due to the terrorist-related aircraft crashes did not make the individual permanently and totally disabled at the time of or in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, the individual may be considered to be permanently and totally disabled for purposes of this section if the individual's medical condition has deteriorated to the extent that the individual is permanently and totally disabled.

(6) Immediate aftermath means, except in the case of an eligible public servant, the period of time from the aircraft crashes until 12 hours after the crashes. With respect to eligible public servants, the immediate aftermath includes the period of time from the aircraft crashes until 96 hours after the crashes.

(7) Present at the World Trade Center in New York City, New York, at the Pentagon in Virginia, or at the Shanksville, Pennsylvania site means physically present at the time of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes or in the immediate aftermath—

(i) In the buildings portions of the buildings that were destroyed as a result of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes;

(ii) In any area contiguous to the crash site that was sufficiently close to the site that there was a demonstrable risk of physical harm resulting from the impact of the aircraft or any subsequent fire, explosions, or building collapses. Generally, this includes the immediate area in which the impact occurred, fire occurred, portions of buildings fell, or debris fell upon and injured persons; or

(iii) On board American Airlines flights 11 or 77 or United Airlines flights 93 or 175 on September 11, 2001.

(b) September 11 survivors discharge. (1) The obligation of a borrower and any endorser to make any further payments on an eligible FFEL Program Loan is discharged if the borrower was, at the time of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and currently is, the spouse of an eligible public servant, unless the eligible public servant has died. If the eligible public servant has died, the borrower must have been the spouse of the eligible public servant at the time of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 and until the date the eligible public servant died.

(2) The obligation of a borrower to make any further payments towards the portion of a joint FFEL Consolidation Loan incurred on behalf of an eligible victim is discharged if the borrower was, at the time of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and currently is, the spouse of an eligible victim, unless the eligible victim has died. If the eligible victim has died, the borrower must have been the spouse of the eligible victim at the time of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 and until the date the eligible victim died.

(3) If the borrower is an eligible parent—

(i) The obligation of a borrower and any endorser to make any further payments on a FFEL PLUS Loan incurred on behalf of an eligible victim is discharged.

(ii) The obligation of the borrower to make any further payments towards the portion of a FFEL Consolidation Loan that repaid a FFEL or Direct Loan PLUS Loan incurred on behalf of an eligible victim is discharged.

(4) The parent of an eligible public servant may qualify for a discharge of a FFEL PLUS loan incurred on behalf of the eligible public servant, or the portion of a FFEL Consolidation Loan that repaid a FFEL or Direct PLUS Loan incurred on behalf of the eligible public servant, under the procedures, eligibility criteria, and documentation requirements described in this section for an eligible parent applying for a discharge of a loan incurred on behalf of an eligible victim.

(c) Applying for discharge. (1) In accordance with the procedures in paragraphs (c)(2) through (c)(13) of this section, a discharge may be granted on—

(i) A FFEL Program Loan owed by the spouse of an eligible public servant;

(ii) A FFEL PLUS Loan incurred on behalf of an eligible victim;

(iii) The portion of a FFEL Consolidation Loan that repaid a PLUS loan incurred on behalf of an eligible victim; and

(iv) The portion of a joint Consolidation Loan incurred on behalf of an eligible victim.

(2) After being notified by the borrower that the borrower claims to qualify for a discharge under this section, the lender shall suspend collection activity on the borrower's eligible FFEL Program Loan and promptly request that the borrower submit a request for discharge on a form approved by the Secretary.

(3) If the lender determines that the borrower does not qualify for a discharge under this section, or the lender does not receive the completed discharge request form from the borrower within 60 days of the borrower notifying the lender that the borrower claims to qualify for a discharge, the lender shall resume collection and shall be deemed to have exercised forbearance of payment of both principal and interest from the date the lender was notified by the borrower. The lender must notify the borrower that the application for the discharge has been denied, provide the basis for the denial, and inform the borrower that the lender will resume collection on the loan. The lender may capitalize, in accordance with § 682.202(b), any interest accrued and not paid during this period.

(4) If the lender determines that the borrower qualifies for a discharge under this section, the lender shall provide the guaranty agency with the following documentation—

(i) The loan application, if a separate loan application was provided to the lender; and

(ii) The completed discharge form, and all accompanying documentation supporting the discharge request that formed the basis for the determination that the borrower qualifies for a discharge.

(5) The lender must file a discharge claim within 60 days of the date on which the lender determines that the borrower qualifies for a discharge.

(6) The guaranty agency must review a discharge claim under this section promptly.

(7) If the guaranty agency determines that the borrower does not qualify for a discharge under this section, the guaranty agency must return the claim to the lender with an explanation of the basis for the agency's denial of the claim. Upon receipt of the returned claim, the lender must notify the borrower that the application for the discharge has been denied, provide the basis for the denial, and inform the borrower that the lender will resume collection on the loan. The lender is deemed to have exercised forbearance of both principal and interest from the date collection activity was suspended until the next payment due date. The lender may capitalize, in accordance with § 682.202(b), any interest accrued and not paid during this period.

(8) If the guaranty agency determines that the borrower qualifies for a discharge, the guaranty agency pays the lender on an approved claim the amount of loss required under paragraph (c)(9) of this section. The guaranty agency shall pay the claim not later than 90 days after the claim was filed by the lender.

(9) The amount of loss payable on a discharge claim is—

(i) An amount equal to the sum of the remaining principal balance and interest accrued on the loan, unpaid collection costs incurred by the lender and applied to the borrower's account within 30 days of the date those costs were actually incurred, and unpaid interest up to the date the lender should have filed the claim; or

(ii) In the case of a partial discharge of a Consolidation Loan, the amount specified in paragraph (c)(9)(i) of this section for the portion of the Consolidation Loan incurred on behalf of the eligible victim.

(10) The amount payable on an approved claim includes the unpaid interest that accrues during the following periods:

(i) During the period before the claim is filed, not to exceed 60 days from the date the lender determines that the borrower qualifies for a discharge under this section.

(ii) During a period not to exceed 30 days following the date the lender receives a claim returned by the guaranty agency for additional documentation necessary for the claim to be approved by the guaranty agency.

(iii) During the period required by the guaranty agency to approve the claim and to authorize payment or to return the claim to the lender for additional documentation, not to exceed 90 days.

(11) After being notified that the guaranty agency has paid a discharge claim, the lender shall notify the borrower that the loan has been discharged or, in the case of a partial discharge of a Consolidation Loan, partially discharged. Except in the case of a partial discharge of a Consolidation Loan, the lender shall return to the sender any payments received by the lender after the date the guaranty agency paid the discharge claim.

(12) The Secretary reimburses the guaranty agency for a discharge claim paid to the lender under this section after the agency pays the lender. Any failure by the lender to satisfy due diligence requirements prior to the filing of the claim that would have resulted in the loss of reinsurance on the loan in the event of default are waived by the Secretary, provided the loan was held by an eligible loan holder at all times.

(13) Except in the case of a partial discharge of a Consolidation Loan, the guaranty agency shall promptly return to the sender any payment on a discharged loan made by the sender and received after the Secretary pays a discharge claim. At the same time that the agency returns the payment it shall notify the borrower that the loan has been discharged and that there is no further obligation to repay the loan.

(14) A FFEL Program Loan owed by an eligible public servant or an eligible victim may be discharged under the procedures in § 682.402 for a discharge based on the death or total and permanent disability of the eligible public servant or eligible victim.

(d) Documentation that an eligible public servant or eligible victim died due to injuries suffered in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. (1) Documentation that an eligible public servant died due to injuries suffered in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 must include—

(i) A certification from an authorized official that the individual was a member of the Armed Forces, or was employed as a police officer, firefighter, or other safety or rescue personnel, and was present at the World Trade Center in New York City, New York, at the Pentagon in Virginia, or at the Shanksville, Pennsylvania site at the time of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes or in the immediate aftermath of these crashes; and

(ii) The inclusion of the individual on an official list of the individuals who died in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

(2) If the individual is not included on an official list of the individuals who died in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the borrower must provide—

(i) The certification described in paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section;

(ii) An original or certified copy of the individual's death certificate; and

(iii) A certification from a physician or a medical examiner that the individual died due to injuries suffered in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

(3) If the individual owed a FFEL Program Loan, a Direct Loan, or a Perkins Loan at the time of the terrorist attacks, documentation that the individual's loans were discharged by the lender, the Secretary, or the institution due to death may be substituted for the original or certified copy of a death certificate.

(4) Documentation that an eligible victim died due to injuries suffered in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 is the inclusion of the individual on an official list of the individuals who died in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

(5) If the eligible victim is not included on an official list of the individuals who died in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the borrower must provide—

(i) The documentation described in paragraphs (d)(2)(ii) or (d)(3), and (d)(2)(iii) of this section; and

(ii) A certification signed by the borrower that the eligible victim was present at the World Trade Center in New York City, New York, at the Pentagon in Virginia, or at the Shanksville, Pennsylvania site at the time of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes or in the immediate aftermath of these crashes.

(6) If the borrower is the spouse of an eligible public servant, and has been granted a discharge on a Perkins Loan, a Direct Loan, or a FFEL Program Loan held by another FFEL lender because the eligible public servant died due to injuries suffered in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, documentation of the discharge may be used as an alternative to the documentation in paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(3) of this section.

(7) If the borrower is the spouse or parent of an eligible victim, and has been granted a discharge on a Direct Loan or on a FFEL Program Loan held by another FFEL lender because the eligible victim died due to injuries suffered in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, documentation of the discharge may be used as an alternative to the documentation in paragraphs (d)(4) and (d)(5) of this section.

(8) Under exceptional circumstances and on a case-by-case basis, the determination that an eligible public servant or an eligible victim died due to injuries suffered in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 may be based on other reliable documentation approved by the chief executive officer of the guaranty agency.

(e) Documentation that an eligible public servant or eligible victim became permanently and totally disabled due to injuries suffered in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. (1) Documentation that an eligible public servant became permanently and totally disabled due to injuries suffered in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 must include—

(i) A certification from an authorized official that the individual was a member of the Armed Forces or was employed as a police officer, firefighter or other safety or rescue personnel, and was present at the World Trade Center in New York City, New York, at the Pentagon in Virginia, or at the Shanksville, Pennsylvania site at the time of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes or in the immediate aftermath of these crashes;

(ii) Copies of contemporaneous medical records created by or at the direction of a medical professional who provided medical care to the individual within 72 hours of the injury having been sustained or within 24 hours of the rescue; and

(iii) A certification by a physician, who is a doctor of medicine or osteopathy and legally authorized to practice in a state, that the individual became permanently and totally disabled due to injuries suffered in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

(2) Documentation that an eligible victim became permanently and totally disabled due to injuries suffered in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 must include—

(i) The documentation described in paragraphs (e)(1)(ii) and (e)(1)(iii) of this section; and

(ii) A certification signed by the borrower that the eligible victim was present at the World Trade Center in New York City, New York, at the Pentagon in Virginia, or at the Shanksville, Pennsylvania site at the time of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes or in the immediate aftermath of these crashes.

(3) If the borrower is the spouse of an eligible public servant, and has been granted a discharge on a Perkins Loan, a Direct Loan, or a FFEL Program Loan held by another FFEL lender because the eligible public servant became permanently and totally disabled due to injuries suffered in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, documentation of the discharge may be used as an alternative to the documentation in paragraph (e)(1) of this section.

(4) If the borrower is the spouse or parent of an eligible victim, and has been granted a discharge on a Direct Loan or on a FFEL Program Loan held by another FFEL lender because the eligible victim became permanently and totally disabled due to injuries suffered in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, documentation of the discharge may be used as an alternative to the documentation in paragraph (e)(2) of this section.

(f) Additional information. (1) A lender or guaranty agency may require the borrower to submit additional information that the lender or guaranty agency deems necessary to determine the borrower's eligibility for a discharge under this section.

(2) To establish that the eligible public servant or eligible victim was present at the World Trade Center in New York City, New York, at the Pentagon in Virginia, or at the Shanksville, Pennsylvania site, such additional information may include but is not limited to—

(i) Records of employment;

(ii) Contemporaneous records of a federal, state, city, or local government agency;

(iii) An affidavit or declaration of the eligible public servant's or eligible victim's employer; and

(iv) A sworn statement (or an unsworn statement complying with 28 U.S.C. 1746) regarding the presence of the eligible public servant or eligible victim at the site.

(3) To establish that the disability of the eligible public servant or eligible victim is due to injuries suffered in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, such additional information may include but is not limited to—

(i) Contemporaneous medical records of hospitals, clinics, physicians, or other licensed medical personnel;

(ii) Registries maintained by federal, state, or local governments; or

(iii) Records of all continuing medical treatment.

(4) To establish the borrower's relationship to the eligible public servant or eligible victim, such additional information may include but is not limited to—

(i) Copies of relevant legal records including court orders, letters of testamentary or similar documentation;

(ii) Copies of wills, trusts, or other testamentary documents; or

(iii) Copies of approved joint Consolidation Loan applications or approved FFEL or Direct Loan PLUS loan applications.

(g) Limitations on discharge. (1) Only outstanding Federal SLS Loans, Federal Stafford Loans, Federal PLUS Loans, and Federal Consolidation Loans for which amounts were owed on September 11, 2001, or outstanding Federal Consolidation Loans incurred to pay off loan amounts that were owed on September 11, 2001, are eligible for discharge under this section.

(2)(i) Eligibility for a discharge under this section does not qualify a borrower for a refund of any payments made on the borrower's loan prior to the date the loan was discharged.

(ii) A borrower may apply for a partial discharge of a joint Consolidation loan due to death or total and permanent disability under the procedures in § 682.402(b) or (c). If the borrower is granted a partial discharge under the procedures in § 682.402(b) or (c) the borrower may qualify for a refund of payments in accordance with § 682.402(b)(5) or § 682.402(c)(1)(i).

(iii) A borrower may apply for a discharge of a PLUS loan due to the death of the student for whom the borrower received the PLUS loan under the procedures in § 682.402(b). If a borrower is granted a discharge under the procedures in § 682.402(b), the borrower may qualify for a refund of payments in accordance with § 682.402(b)(5).

(3) A determination by a lender or a guaranty agency that an eligible public servant or an eligible victim became permanently and totally disabled due to injuries suffered in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 for purposes of this section does not qualify the eligible public servant or the eligible victim for a discharge based on a total and permanent disability under § 682.402.

(4) The spouse of an eligible public servant or eligible victim may not receive a discharge under this section if the eligible public servant or eligible victim has been identified as a participant or conspirator in the terrorist-related aircraft crashes on September 11, 2001. An eligible parent may not receive a discharge on a FFEL PLUS Loan or on a Consolidation Loan that was used to repay a FFEL or Direct Loan PLUS Loan incurred on behalf of an individual who has been identified as a participant or conspirator in the terrorist-related aircraft crashes on September 11, 2001.

[71 FR 78080, Dec. 28, 2006, as amended at 72 FR 55053, Sept. 28, 2007; 78 FR 65816, Nov. 1, 2013]

(a)(1) If the Secretary determines that action is necessary to protect the Federal fiscal interest, the Secretary directs a guaranty agency to promptly assign to the Secretary any loans held by the agency on which the agency has received payment under § 682.402(f), 682.402(k), or 682.404. The collection of unpaid loans owed by Federal employees by Federal salary offset is, among other things, deemed to be in the Federal fiscal interest. Unless the Secretary notifies an agency, in writing, that other loans must be assigned to the Secretary, an agency must assign any loan that meets all of the following criteria as of April 15 of each year:

(i) The unpaid principal balance is at least $100.

(ii) For each of the two fiscal years following the fiscal year in which these regulations are effective, the loan, and any other loans held by the agency for that borrower, have been held by the agency for at least four years; for any subsequent fiscal year such loan must have been held by the agency for at least five years.

(iii) A payment has not been received on the loan in the last year.

(iv) A judgment has not been entered on the loan against the borrower.

(2) If the agency fails to meet a fiscal year recovery rate standard under paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section for a loan type, and the Secretary determines that additional assignments are necessary to protect the Federal fiscal interest, the Secretary may require the agency to assign in addition to those loans described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, loans in amounts needed to satisfy the requirements of paragraph (a)(2)(iii) or (a)(3)(i) of this section.

(i) Calculation of fiscal year loan type recovery rate. A fiscal year loan type recovery rate for an agency is determined by dividing the amount collected on defaulted loans, including collections by Federal Income Tax Refund Offset, for each loan program (i.e., the Stafford, PLUS, SLS, and Consolidation loan programs) by the agency for loans of that program (including payments received by the agency on loans under § 682.401(b)(1) and § 682.409 and the amounts of any loans purchased from the guaranty agency by an eligible lender) during the most recent fiscal year for which data are available by the total of principal and interest owed to an agency on defaulted loans for each loan program at the beginning of the same fiscal year, less accounts permanently assigned to the Secretary through the most recent fiscal year.

(ii) Fiscal year loan type recovery rates standards. (A) If, in each of the two fiscal years following the fiscal year in which these regulations are effective, the fiscal year loan type recovery rate for a loan program for an agency is below 80 percent of the average recovery rate of all active guaranty agencies in each of the same two fiscal years for that program type, and the Secretary determines that additional assignments are necessary to protect the Federal fiscal interest, the Secretary may require the agency to make additional assignments in accordance with paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this section.

(B) In any subsequent fiscal year the loan type recovery rate standard for a loan program must be 90 percent of the average recovery rate of all active guaranty agencies.

(iii) Non-achievement of loan type recovery rate standards. (A) Unless the Secretary determines under paragraph (a)(2)(iv) of this section that protection of the Federal fiscal interest requires that a lesser amount be assigned, upon notice from the Secretary, an agency with a fiscal year loan type recovery rate described in paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section must promptly assign to the Secretary a sufficient amount of defaulted loans, in addition to loans to be assigned in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) of this section, to cause the fiscal year loan type recovery rate of the agency that fiscal year to equal or exceed the average rate of all agencies described in paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section when recalculated to exclude from the denominator of the agency's fiscal year loan type recovery rate the amount of these additional loans.

(B) The Secretary, in consultation with the guaranty agency, may require the amount of loans to be assigned under paragraph (a)(2) of this section to include particular categories of loans that share characteristics that make the performance of the agency fall below the appropriate percentage of the loan type recovery rate as described in paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section.

(iv) Calculation of loan type recovery rate standards. The Secretary, within 30 days after the date for submission of the second quarterly report from all agencies, makes available to all agencies a mid-year report, showing the recovery rate for each agency and the average recovery rate of all active guaranty agencies for each loan type. In addition, the Secretary, within 120 days after the beginning of each fiscal year, makes available a final report showing those rates and the average rate for each loan type for the preceding fiscal year.

(3)(i) Determination that the protection of the Federal fiscal interest requires assignments. Upon petition by an agency submitted within 45 days of the notice required by paragraph (a)(2)(iii)(A) of this section, the Secretary may determine that protection of the Federal fiscal interest does not require assignment of all loans described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section or of loans in the full amount described in paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this section only after review of the agency's petition. In making this determination, the Secretary considers all relevant information available to him (including any information and documentation obtained by the Secretary in reviews of the agency or submitted to the Secretary by the agency) as follows:

(A) For each of the two fiscal years following the fiscal year in which these regulations are effective, the Secretary considers information presented by an agency with a fiscal year loan type recovery rate above the average rate of all active agencies to demonstrate that the protection of the Federal fiscal interest will be served if any amounts of loans of the loan type required to be assigned to the Secretary under paragraph (a)(1) of this section are retained by that agency. For any subsequent fiscal year, the Secretary considers information presented by an agency with a fiscal year recovery rate 10 percent above the average rate of all active agencies.

(B) The Secretary considers information presented by an agency that is required to assign loans under paragraph (a)(2) of this section to demonstrate that the protection of the Federal fiscal interest will be served if the agency demonstrates that its compliance with § 682.401(b)(1) and § 682.405 has reduced substantially its fiscal year loan type recovery rate or rates or if the agency is not required to assign amounts of loans that would otherwise have to be assigned.

(C) The information provided by an agency pursuant to paragraphs (a)(3)(i)(A) and (B) of this section may include, but is not limited to the following:

(1) The fiscal year loan type recovery rate within such school sectors as the Secretary may designate for the agency, and for all agencies.

(2) The fiscal year loan type recovery rate for loans for the agency and for all agencies categorized by age of the loans as the Secretary may determine.

(3) The performance of the agency, and all agencies, in default aversion.

(4) The agency's performance on judgment enforcement.

(5) The existence and use of any state or guaranty agency-specific collection tools.

(6) The agency's level of compliance with §§ 682.409 and 682.410(b)(6).

(7) Other factors that may affect loan repayment such as State or regional unemployment and natural disasters.

(ii) Denial of an agency's petition. If the Secretary does not accept the agency's petition, the Secretary provides, in writing, to the agency the Secretary's reasons for concluding that the Federal fiscal interest is best protected by requiring the assignment.

(b)(1) A guaranty agency that assigns a defaulted loan to the Secretary under this section thereby releases all rights and title to that loan. The Secretary does not pay the guaranty agency any compensation for a loan assigned under this section.

(2) The guaranty agency does not share in any amounts received by the Secretary on a loan assigned under this section, regardless of the reinsurance percentage paid on the loan or the agency's previous collection costs.

(c)(1) A guaranty agency must assign a loan to the Secretary under this section at the time, in the manner, and with the information and documentation that the Secretary requires. The agency must submit this information and documentation in the form (including magnetic media) and format specified by the Secretary.

(2) The guaranty agency must execute an assignment to the United States of America of all right, title, and interest in the promissory note or judgment evidencing a loan assigned under this section. If more than one loan is made under an MPN, the assignment of the note only applies to the loan or loans being assigned to the Secretary.

(3) If the agency does not provide the required information and documentation in the form and format required by the Secretary, the Secretary may, at his option—

(i) Allow the agency to revise the agency's submission to include the required information and documentation in the specified form and format;

(ii) In the case of an improperly formatted computer tape, reformat the tape and assess the cost of the activity against the agency;

(iii) Reorganize the material submitted and assess the cost of that activity against the agency; or

(iv) Obtain from other agency records and add to the agency's submission any information from the original submission, and assess the cost of that activity against the agency.

(4) For each loan assigned, the agency shall submit to the Secretary the following documents associated for each loan, assembled in the order listed below:

(i) The original or a true and exact copy of the promissory note.

(ii) Any documentation of a judgment entered on the loan.

(iii) A written assignment of the loan or judgment, unless this assignment is affixed to the promissory note.

(iv) The loan application, if a separate application was provided to the lender.

(v) A payment history for the loan, as described in § 682.414(a)(1)(ii)(C).

(vi) A collection history for the loan, as described in § 682.414(a)(1)(ii)(D).

(vii) The record of the lender's disbursement of Stafford and PLUS loan funds to the school for delivery to the borrower.

(viii) If the MPN or promissory note was signed electronically, the name and location of the entity in possession of the original electronic MPN or promissory note.

(5) The agency may submit copies of required documents in lieu of originals.

(6) The Secretary may accept the assignment of a loan without all of the documents listed in paragraph (c)(4) of this section. If directed to do so, the agency must retain these documents for submission to the Secretary at some future date.

(d)(1) If the Secretary determines that the agency has not submitted a document or record required by paragraph (c) of this section, and the Secretary decides to allow the agency an additional opportunity to submit the omitted document under paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section, the Secretary notifies the agency and provides a reasonable period of time for the agency to submit the omitted record or document.

(2) If the omitted document is not submitted within the time specified by the Secretary, the Secretary determines whether that omission impairs the Secretary's ability to collect the loan.

(3) If the Secretary determines that the ability to collect the loan has been impaired under paragraph (d)(2) of this section, the Secretary assesses the agency the amount paid to the agency under the reinsurance agreement and accrued interest at the rate applicable to the borrower under § 682.410(b)(3).

(4) The Secretary reassigns to the agency that portion of the loan determined to be unenforceable by the Department.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1845-0020) (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1078,1078,1078,1078,1082,Dec. 18, 1992, as amended at 58 FR 9120, Feb. 19, 1993; 59 FR 33356, June 28, 1994; 60 FR 30788, June 12, 1995; 64 FR 18980, Apr. 16, 1999; 64 FR 58630, Oct. 29, 1999; 64 FR 58963, Nov. 1, 1999; 72 FR 62006, Nov. 1, 2007; 78 FR 65816, Nov. 1, 2013]

(a) Fiscal requirements—(1) Reserve fund assets. A guaranty agency shall establish and maintain a reserve fund to be used solely for its activities as a guaranty agency under the FFEL Program (“guaranty activities”). The guaranty agency shall credit to the reserve fund—

(i) The total amount of insurance premiums and Federal default fees collected;

(ii) Funds received from a State for the agency's guaranty activities, including matching funds under section 422(a) of the Act;

(iii) Federal advances obtained under sections 422(a) and (c) of the Act;

(iv) Federal payments for default, bankruptcy, death, disability, closed schools, and false certification claims;

(v) Supplemental preclaims assistance payments;

(vi) Transitional support payments received under section 458(a) of the Act;

(vii) Funds collected by the guaranty agency on FFEL Program loans on which a claim has been paid;

(viii) Investment earnings on the reserve fund; and

(ix) Other funds received by the guaranty agency from any source for the agency's guaranty activities.

(2) Uses of reserve fund assets. A guaranty agency may use the assets of the reserve fund established under paragraph (a)(1) of this section to pay only—

(i) Insurance claims;

(ii) Costs that are reasonable, as defined under § 682.410(a)(11)(iii), and that are ordinary and necessary for the agency to fulfill its responsibilities under the HEA, including costs of collecting loans, providing default aversion assistance, monitoring enrollment and repayment status, and carrying out any other guaranty activities. Those costs must be—

(A) Allocable to the FFEL Program;

(B) Not higher than the agency would incur under established policies, regulations, and procedures that apply to any comparable non-Federal activities of the guaranty agency;

(C) Not included as a cost or used to meet cost sharing or matching requirements of any other federally supported activity, except as specifically provided by Federal law;

(D) Net of all applicable credits; and

(E) Documented in accordance with applicable legal and accounting standards;

(iii) The Secretary's equitable share of collections;

(iv) Federal advances and other funds owed to the Secretary;

(v) Reinsurance fees;

(vi) Insurance premiums and Federal default fees related to cancelled loans;

(vii) Borrower refunds, including those arising out of student or other borrower claims and defenses;

(viii) (A) The repayment, on or after December 29, 1993, of amounts credited under paragraphs (a)(1)(ii) or (a)(1)(ix) of this section, if the agency provides the Secretary 30 days prior notice of the repayment and demonstrates that—

(1) These amounts were originally received by the agency under appropriate contemporaneous documentation specifying that receipt was on a temporary basis only;

(2) The objective for which these amounts were originally received by the agency has been fully achieved; and

(3) Repayment of these amounts would not cause the agency to fail to comply with the minimum reserve levels provided by paragraph (a)(10) of this section, except that the Secretary may, for good cause, provide written permission for a payment that meets the other requirements of this paragraph (a)(2)(ix)(A).

(B) The repayment, prior to December 29, 1993, of amounts credited under paragraphs (a)(1)(ii) or (a)(1)(ix) of this section, if the agency demonstrates that—

(1) These amounts were originally received by the agency under appropriate contemporaneous documentation that receipt was on a temporary basis only; and

(2) The objective for which these amounts were originally received by the agency has been fully achieved.

(ix) Any other costs or payments ordinary and necessary to perform functions directly related to the agency's responsibilities under the HEA and for their proper and efficient administration;

(x) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, any other payment that was allowed by law or regulation at the time it was made, if the agency acted in good faith when it made the payment or the agency would otherwise be unfairly prejudiced by the nonallowability of the payment at a later time; and

(xi) Any other amounts authorized or directed by the Secretary.

(3) Accounting basis. Except as approved by the Secretary, a guaranty agency shall credit the items listed in paragraph (a)(1) of this section to its reserve fund upon their receipt, without any deferral for accounting purposes, and shall deduct the items listed in paragraph (a)(2) of this section from its reserve fund upon their payment, without any accrual for accounting purposes.

(4) Accounting records. (i) The accounting records of a guaranty agency must reflect the correct amount of sources and uses of funds under paragraph (a) of this section.

(ii) A guaranty agency may reverse prior credits to its reserve fund if—

(A) The agency gives the Secretary prior notice setting forth a detailed justification for the action;

(B) The Secretary determines that such credits were made erroneously and in good faith; and

(C) The Secretary determines that the action would not unfairly prejudice other parties.

(iii) A guaranty agency shall correct any other errors in its accounting or reporting as soon as practicable after the errors become known to the agency.

(iv) If a general reconstruction of a guaranty agency's historical accounting records is necessary to make a change under paragraphs (a)(4)(ii) and (a)(4)(iii) of this section or any other retroactive change to its accounting records, the agency may make this reconstruction only upon prior approval by the Secretary and without any deduction from its reserve fund for the cost of the reconstruction.

(5) Investments. The guaranty agency shall exercise the level of care required of a fiduciary charged with the duty of investing the money of others when it invests the assets of the reserve fund described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section. It may invest these assets only in low-risk securities, such as obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States or a State.

(6) Development of assets. (i) If the guaranty agency uses in a substantial way for purposes other than the agency's guaranty activities any funds required to be credited to the reserve fund under paragraph (a)(1) of this section or any assets derived from the reserve fund to develop an asset of any kind and does not in good faith allocate a portion of the cost of developing and maintaining the developed asset to funds other than the reserve fund, the Secretary may require the agency to—

(A) Correct this allocation under paragraph (a)(4)(iii) of this section; or

(B) Correct the recorded ownership of the asset under paragraph (a)(4)(iii) of this section so that—

(1) If, in a transaction with an unrelated third party, the agency sells or otherwise derives revenue from uses of the asset that are unrelated to the agency's guaranty activities, the agency promptly shall deposit into the reserve fund described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section a percentage of the sale proceeds or revenue equal to the fair percentage of the total development cost of the asset paid with the reserve fund monies or provided by assets derived from the reserve fund; or

(2) If the agency otherwise converts the asset, in whole or in part, to a use unrelated to its guaranty activities, the agency promptly shall deposit into the reserve fund described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section a fair percentage of the fair market value or, in the case of a temporary conversion, the rental value of the portion of the asset employed for the unrelated use.

(ii) If the agency uses funds or assets described in paragraph (a)(6)(i) of this section in the manner described in that paragraph and makes a cost and maintenance allocation erroneously and in good faith, it shall correct the allocation under paragraph (a)(4)(iii) of this section.

(7) Third-party claims. If the guaranty agency has any claim against any other party to recover funds or other assets for the reserve fund, the claim is the property of the United States.

(8) Related-party transactions. All transactions between a guaranty agency and a related organization or other person that involve funds required to be credited to the agency's reserve fund under paragraph (a)(1) of this section or assets derived from the reserve fund must be on terms that are not less advantageous to the reserve fund than would have been negotiated on an arm's-length basis by unrelated parties.

(9) Scope of definition. The provisions of this § 682.410(a) define reserve funds and assets for purposes of sections 422 and 428 of the Act. These provisions do not, however, affect the Secretary's authority to use all funds and assets of the agency pursuant to section 428(c)(9)(F)(vi) of the Act.

(10) Minimum reserve fund level. The guaranty agency must maintain a current minimum reserve level of not less than—

(i) .5 percent of the amount of loans outstanding, for the fiscal year of the agency that begins in calendar year 1993;

(ii) .7 percent of the amount of loans outstanding, for the fiscal year of the agency that begins in calendar year 1994;

(iii) .9 percent of the amount of loans outstanding, for the fiscal year of the agency that begins in calendar year 1995; and

(iv) 1.1 percent of the amount of loans outstanding, for each fiscal year of the agency that begins on or after January 1, 1996.

(11) Definitions. For purposes of this section—

(i) Reserve fund level means—

(A) The total of reserve fund assets as defined in paragraph (a)(1) of this section;

(B) Minus the total amount of the reserve fund assets used in accordance with paragraphs (a)(2) and (a)(3) of this section; and

(ii) Amount of loans outstanding means—

(A) The sum of—

(1) The original principal amount of all loans guaranteed by the agency; and

(2) The original principal amount of any loans on which the guarantee was transferred to the agency from another guarantor, excluding loan guarantees transferred to another agency pursuant to a plan of the Secretary in response to the insolvency of the agency;

(B) Minus the original principal amount of all loans on which—

(1) The loan guarantee was cancelled;

(2) The loan guarantee was transferred to another agency;

(3) Payment in full has been made by the borrower;

(4) Reinsurance coverage has been lost and cannot be regained; and

(5) The agency paid claims.

(iii) Reasonable cost means a cost that, in its nature and amount, does not exceed that which would be incurred by a prudent person under the circumstances prevailing at the time the decision was made to incur the cost. The burden of proof is upon the guaranty agency, as a fiduciary under its agreements with the Secretary, to establish that costs are reasonable. In determining reasonableness of a given cost, consideration must be given to—

(A) Whether the cost is of a type generally recognized as ordinary and necessary for the proper and efficient performance and administration of the guaranty agency's responsibilities under the HEA;

(B) The restraints or requirements imposed by factors such as sound business practices, arms-length bargaining, Federal, State, and other laws and regulations, and the terms and conditions of the guaranty agency's agreements with the Secretary; and

(C) Market prices of comparable goods or services.

(b) Administrative requirements—(1) Independent audits. The guaranty agency shall arrange for an independent financial and compliance audit of the agency's FFEL program as follows:

(i) [Reserved]

(ii) A guaranty agency must conduct an audit in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 7502 and 2 CFR part 200, subpart F—Audit Requirements. 2 If a nonprofit guaranty agency meets the criteria in 2 CFR part 200, subpart F—Audit Requirements to have a program specific audit, and chooses that option, the program-specific audit must meet the following requirements:

2 None of the other regulations in 2 CFR part 200 apply to lenders. Only those requirements in subpart F-Audit Requirements, apply to lenders, as required under the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. Chapter 75).

(2) Collection charges. (i) Whether or not provided for in the borrower's promissory note and subject to any limitation on the amount of those costs in that note, the guaranty agency may charge a borrower an amount equal to the reasonable costs incurred by the agency in collecting a loan on which the agency has paid a default or bankruptcy claim unless, within the 60-day period after the guaranty agency sends the initial notice described in paragraph (b)(6)(ii) of this section, the borrower enters into an acceptable repayment agreement, including a rehabilitation agreement, and honors that agreement, in which case the guaranty agency must not charge a borrower any collection costs.

(ii) An acceptable repayment agreement may include an agreement described in § 682.200(b) (Satisfactory repayment arrangement), § 682.405, or paragraph (b)(5)(ii)(D) of this section. An acceptable repayment agreement constitutes a repayment arrangement or agreement on repayment terms satisfactory to the guaranty agency, under this section.

(iii) The costs under this paragraph (b)(2) include, but are not limited to, all attorneys' fees, collection agency charges, and court costs. Except as provided in §§ 682.401(b)(18)(i) and 682.405(b)(1)(vi)(B), the amount charged a borrower must equal the lesser of—

(A) The amount the same borrower would be charged for the cost of collection under the formula in 34 CFR 30.60; or

(B) The amount the same borrower would be charged for the cost of collection if the loan was held by the U.S. Department of Education.

(3) Interest charged by guaranty agencies. (i) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section, the guaranty agency shall charge the borrower interest on the amount owed by the borrower after the capitalization required under paragraph (b)(4) of this section has occurred at a rate that is the greater of—

(A) The rate established by the terms of the borrower's original promissory note; or

(B) In the case of a loan for which a judgment has been obtained, the rate provided for by State law.

(ii) If the guaranty agency determines that the borrower is eligible for the interest rate limit of six percent under § 682.202(a)(8), the interest rate described in paragraph (b)(3)(i) shall not exceed six percent.

(4) Capitalization of unpaid interest. The guaranty agency shall capitalize any unpaid interest due the lender from the borrower at the time the agency pays a default claim to the lender, but shall not capitalize any unpaid interest thereafter.

(5) Reports to consumer reporting agencies. (i) After the completion of the procedures in paragraph (b)(5)(ii) of this section, the guaranty agency shall, after it has paid a default claim, report promptly, but not less than sixty days after completion of the procedures in paragraph (b)(6)(ii) of this section, and on a regular basis, to all nationwide consumer reporting agencies—

(A) The total amount of loans made to the borrower and the remaining balance of those loans;

(B) The date of default;

(C) Information concerning collection of the loan, including the repayment status of the loan;

(D) Any changes or corrections in the information reported by the agency that result from information received after the initial report; and

(E) The date the loan is fully repaid by or on behalf of the borrower or discharged by reason of the borrower's death, bankruptcy, total and permanent disability, or closed school or false certification.

(ii) The guaranty agency, after it pays a default claim on a loan but before it reports the default to a consumer reporting agency or assesses collection costs against a borrower, shall, within the timeframe specified in paragraph (b)(6)(ii) of this section, provide the borrower with—

(A) Written notice that meets the requirements of paragraph (b)(5)(vi) of this section regarding the proposed actions;

(B) An opportunity to inspect and copy agency records pertaining to the loan obligation;

(C) An opportunity for an administrative review of the legal enforceability or past-due status of the loan obligation; and

(D) An opportunity to enter into a repayment agreement on terms satisfactory to the agency.

(iii) The procedures set forth in 34 CFR 30.20-30.33 (administrative offset) satisfy the requirements of paragraph (b)(5)(ii) of this section.

(iv)(A) In response to a request submitted by a borrower, after the deadlines established under agency rules, for access to records, an administrative review, or for an opportunity to enter into a repayment agreement, the agency shall provide the requested relief but may continue reporting the debt to consumer reporting agencies until it determines that the borrower has demonstrated that the loan obligation is not legally enforceable or that alternative repayment arrangements satisfactory to the agency have been made with the borrower.

(B) The deadline established by the agency for requesting administrative review under paragraph (b)(5)(ii)(C) of this section must allow the borrower at least 60 days from the date the notice described in paragraph (b)(5)(ii)(A) of this section is sent to request that review.

(v) An agency may not permit an employee, official, or agent to conduct the administrative review required under this paragraph if that individual is—

(A) Employed in an organizational component of the agency or its agent that is charged with collection of loan obligations; or

(B) Compensated on the basis of collections on loan obligations.

(vi) The notice sent by the agency under paragraph (b)(5)(ii)(A) of this section must—

(A) Advise the borrower that the agency has paid a default claim filed by the lender and has taken assignment of the loan;

(B) Identify the lender that made the loan and the school for attendance at which the loan was made;

(C) State the outstanding principal, accrued interest, and any other charges then owing on the loan;

(D) Demand that the borrower immediately begin repayment of the loan;

(E) Explain the rate of interest that will accrue on the loan, that all costs incurred to collect the loan will be charged to the borrower, the authority for assessing these costs, and the manner in which the agency will calculate the amount of these costs;

(F) Notify the borrower that the agency will report the default to all nationwide consumer reporting agencies to the detriment of the borrower's credit rating;

(G) Explain the opportunities available to the borrower under agency rules to request access to the agency's records on the loan, to request an administrative review of the legal enforceability or past-due status of the loan, and to reach an agreement on repayment terms satisfactory to the agency to prevent the agency from reporting the loan as defaulted to consumer reporting agencies and provide deadlines and method for requesting this relief;

(H) Unless the agency uses a separate notice to advise the borrower regarding other proposed enforcement actions, describe specifically any other enforcement action, such as offset against Federal or state income tax refunds or wage garnishment that the agency intends to use to collect the debt, and explain the procedures available to the borrower prior to those other enforcement actions for access to records, for an administrative review, or for agreement to alternative repayment terms;

(I) Describe the grounds on which the borrower may object that the loan obligation as stated in the notice is not a legally enforceable debt owed by the borrower;

(J) Describe any appeal rights available to the borrower from an adverse decision on administrative review of the loan obligation;

(K) Describe any right to judicial review of an adverse decision by the agency regarding the legal enforceability or past-due status of the loan obligation;

(L) Describe the collection actions that the agency may take in the future if those presently proposed do not result in repayment of the loan obligation, including the filing of a lawsuit against the borrower by the agency and assignment of the loan to the Secretary for the filing of a lawsuit against the borrower by the Federal Government; and

(M) Inform the borrower of the options that are available to the borrower to remove the loan from default, including an explanation of the fees and conditions associated with each option.

(vii) As part of the guaranty agency's response to a borrower who appeals an adverse decision resulting from the agency's administrative review of the loan obligation, the agency must provide the borrower with information on the availability of the Student Loan Ombudsman's office.

(6) Collection efforts on defaulted loans. (i) A guaranty agency must engage in reasonable and documented collection activities on a loan on which it pays a default claim filed by a lender. For a non-paying borrower, the agency must perform at least one activity every 180 days to collect the debt, locate the borrower (if necessary), or determine if the borrower has the means to repay the debt.

(ii) Within 45 days after paying a lender's default claim, the agency must send a notice to the borrower that contains the information described in paragraph (b)(5)(ii) of this section. During this time period, the agency also must notify the borrower, either in the notice containing the information described in paragraph (b)(5)(ii) of this section, or in a separate notice, that if he or she does not make repayment arrangements acceptable to the agency, the agency will promptly initiate procedures to collect the debt. The agency's notification to the borrower must state that the agency may administratively garnish the borrower's wages, file a civil suit to compel repayment, offset the borrower's State and Federal income tax refunds and other payments made by the Federal Government to the borrower, assign the loan to the Secretary in accordance with § 682.409, and take other lawful collection means to collect the debt, at the discretion of the agency. The agency's notification must include a statement that borrowers may have certain legal rights in the collection of debts, and that borrowers may wish to contact counselors or lawyers regarding those rights.

(iii) Within a reasonable time after all of the information described in paragraph (b)(6)(ii) of this section has been sent, the agency must send at least one notice informing the borrower that the default has been reported to all nationwide consumer reporting agencies and that the borrower's credit rating may thereby have been damaged.

(iv) The agency must send a notice informing the borrower of the options that are available to remove the loan from default, including an explanation of the fees and conditions associated with each option. This notice must be sent within a reasonable time after the end of the period for requesting an administrative review as specified in paragraph (b)(5)(iv)(B) of this section or, if the borrower has requested an administrative review, within a reasonable time following the conclusion of the administrative review.

(v) A guaranty agency must attempt an annual Federal offset against all eligible borrowers. If an agency initiates proceedings to offset a borrower's State or Federal income tax refunds and other payments made by the Federal Government to the borrower, it may not initiate those proceedings sooner than 60 days after sending the notice described in paragraph (b)(5)(ii)(A) of this section.

(vi) A guaranty agency must initiate administrative wage garnishment proceedings against all eligible borrowers, except as provided in paragraph (b)(6)(vii) of this section, by following the procedures described in paragraph (b)(9) of this section.

(vii) A guaranty agency may file a civil suit against a borrower to compel repayment only if the borrower has no wages that can be garnished under paragraph (b)(9) of this section, or the agency determines that the borrower has sufficient attachable assets or income that is not subject to administrative wage garnishment that can be used to repay the debt, and the use of litigation would be more effective in collection of the debt.

(viii) Upon notification by the Secretary that the borrower has made a borrower defense claim related to a loan that the borrower intends to consolidate into the Direct Loan Program for the purpose of seeking relief in accordance with § 685.212(k), the guaranty agency must suspend all collection activities on the affected loan for the period designated by the Secretary.

(7) Special conditions for agency payment of a claim. (i) A guaranty agency may adopt a policy under which it pays a claim to a lender on a loan under the condition described in § 682.404(b)(3)(ii).

(ii) Upon the payment of a claim under a policy described in paragraph (b)(7)(i) of this section, the guaranty agency shall—

(A) Perform the loan servicing functions required of a lender under § 682.208, except that the agency is not required to follow the consumer reporting agency reporting requirements of that section;

(B) Perform the functions of the lender during the repayment period of the loan, as required under § 682.209;

(C) If the borrower is delinquent in repaying the loan at the time the agency pays a claim thereon to the lender or becomes delinquent while the agency holds the loan, exercise due diligence in accordance with § 682.411 in attempting to collect the loan from the borrower and any endorser or co-maker; and

(D) After the date of default on the loan, if any, comply with paragraph (b)(6) of this section with respect to collection activities on the loan, with the date of default treated as the claim payment date for purposes of those paragraphs.

(8) Preemption of State law. The provisions of paragraphs (b)(2), (5), and (6) of this section preempt any State law, including State statutes, regulations, or rules, that would conflict with or hinder satisfaction of the requirements of these provisions.

(9) Administrative garnishment. (i) If a guaranty agency decides to garnish the disposable pay of a borrower who is not making payments on a loan held by the agency, on which the Secretary has paid a reinsurance claim, it must do so in accordance with the following procedures:

(A) At least 30 days before the initiation of garnishment proceedings, the guaranty agency must mail to the borrower's last known address, a written notice described in paragraph (b)(9)(i)(B) of this section.

(B) The notice must describe—

(1) The nature and amount of the debt;

(2) The intention of the agency to collect the debt through deductions from disposable pay;

(3) An explanation of the borrower's rights;

(4) The deadlines by which a borrower must exercise those rights; and

(5) The consequences of failure to exercise those rights in a timely manner.

(C) The guaranty agency must offer the borrower an opportunity to inspect and copy agency records related to the debt.

(D) The guaranty agency must offer the borrower an opportunity to enter into a written repayment agreement with the agency under terms agreeable to the agency.

(E)(1) The guaranty agency must offer the borrower an opportunity for a hearing in accordance with paragraphs (b)(9)(i)(F) through (J) of this section and other guidance provided by the Secretary, for any objection regarding the existence, amount, or enforceability of the debt, and any objection that withholding from the borrower's disposable pay in the amount or at the rate proposed in the notice would cause financial hardship to the borrower.

(2) The borrower must request a hearing in writing. At the borrower's option, the hearing may be oral or written. The time and location of the hearing is established by the guaranty agency. An oral hearing may, at the borrower's option, be conducted either in-person or by telephone conference. The agency notifies the borrower of the process for arranging the time and location of an oral hearing. All telephonic charges are the responsibility of the agency. All travel expenses incurred by the borrower in connection with an in-person oral hearing are the responsibility of the borrower.

(F)(1) If the borrower submits a written request for a hearing on the existence, amount, or enforceability of the debt—

(i) The guaranty agency must provide evidence of the existence of the debt. If the agency provides evidence of the existence of the debt, the borrower must prove by the preponderance of the evidence that no debt exists, the debt is not enforceable under applicable law, the amount the guaranty agency claims the borrower owes is incorrect, including that any amount of collection costs assessed to the borrower exceeds the limits established under § 682.410(b)(2), or the debt is not delinquent; and

(ii) The borrower may raise any of the objections described in paragraph (b)(9)(i)(F)(1)(i) of this section not raised in the written request, but must do so before a hearing is completed. For purposes of this paragraph, a hearing is completed when the record is closed and the hearing official notifies the parties that no additional evidence or objections will be accepted.

(2) If the borrower submits a written request for a hearing on an objection that withholding in the amount or at the rate that the agency proposed in its notice would cause financial hardship to the borrower and the borrower's spouse and dependents—

(i) The borrower bears the burden of proving the claim of financial hardship by a preponderance of the credible evidence by providing credible documentation that the amount of wages proposed in the notice would leave the borrower unable to meet basic living expenses of the borrower, the borrower's spouse, and the borrower's dependents. The documentation must show the amount of the costs incurred for basic living expenses and the income available from any source to meet those expenses;

(ii) The borrower's claim of financial hardship must be evaluated by comparing the amounts that the borrower proves are being incurred for basic living expenses against the amounts spent for basic living expenses by families of the same size as the borrower's. For the purposes of this section, the standards published by the Internal Revenue Service under 26 U.S.C. 7122(d)(2) (the ”Collection Financial Standards”) establish the average amounts spent for basic living expenses for families of the same size as the borrower's family;

(iii) The amount that the borrower proves is incurred for a type of basic living expense is considered to be reasonable to the extent that the amount does not exceed the amount spent for that expense by families of the same size according to the Collection Financial Standards. If the borrower claims an amount for any basic living expense that exceeds the amount in the Collection Financial Standards, the borrower must prove that the amount claimed is reasonable and necessary;

(iv) If the borrower's objection to the rate or amount proposed in the notice is upheld in part, the garnishment must be ordered at a lesser rate or amount, that is determined will allow the borrower to meet basic living expenses proven to be reasonable and necessary. If this financial hardship determination is made after a garnishment order is already in effect, the guaranty agency must notify the borrower's employer of any change required by the determination in the amount to be withheld or the rate of withholding under that order; and

(v) A determination by a hearing official that financial hardship would result from garnishment is effective for a period not longer than six months after the date of the finding. After this period, the guaranty agency may require the borrower to submit current information regarding the borrower's family income and living expenses. If the borrower fails to submit current information within 30 days of this request, or the guaranty agency concludes from a review of the available evidence that garnishment should now begin or the rate or the amount of an outstanding withholding should be increased, the guaranty agency must notify the borrower and provide the borrower with an opportunity to contest the determination and obtain a hearing on the objection under the procedures in paragraph (b)(9)(i) of this section.

(G) If the borrower's written request for a hearing is received by the guaranty agency on or before the 30th day following the date of the notice described in paragraph (b)(9)(i)(B) of this section, the guaranty agency may not issue a withholding order until the borrower has been provided the requested hearing and a decision has been rendered. The guaranty agency must provide a hearing to the borrower in sufficient time to permit a decision, in accordance with the procedures that the agency may prescribe, to be rendered within 60 days.

(H) If the borrower's written request for a hearing is received by the guaranty agency after the 30th day following the date of the notice described in paragraph (b)(9)(i)(B) of this section, the guaranty agency must provide a hearing to the borrower in sufficient time that a decision, in accordance with the procedures that the agency may prescribe, may be rendered within 60 days, but may not delay issuance of a withholding order unless the agency determines that the delay in filing the request was caused by factors over which the borrower had no control, or the agency receives information that the agency believes justifies a delay or cancellation of the withholding order. If a decision is not rendered within 60 days following receipt of a borrower's written request for a hearing, the guaranty agency must suspend the order beginning on the 61st day after the hearing request was received until a hearing is provided and a decision is rendered.

(I) The hearing official appointed by the agency to conduct the hearing may be any qualified individual, including an administrative law judge. Under no circumstance may the hearing official be under the supervision or control of the head of the guaranty agency or of a third-party servicer or collection contractor employed by the agency. Payment of compensation by the guaranty agency, third-party servicer, or collection contractor employed by the agency to the hearing official for service as a hearing official does not constitute impermissible supervision or control under this paragraph. The guaranty agency must ensure that, except as needed to arrange for administrative matters pertaining to the hearing, including the type of hearing requested by the borrower, the time, place, and manner of conducting an oral hearing, and post-hearing matters such as issuance of a hearing decision, all oral communications between the hearing official and any representative of the guaranty agency or with the borrower are made within the hearing of the other party, and that copies of any written communication with either party are promptly provided to the other party. This paragraph does not preclude a hearing in the absence of one of the parties if the borrower is given proper notice of the hearing, both parties have agreed on the time, place, and manner of the hearing, and one of the parties fails to attend.

(J) The hearing official must conduct any hearing as an informal proceeding, require witnesses in an oral hearing to testify under oath or affirmation, and maintain a summary record of any hearing. The hearing official must issue a final written decision at the earliest practicable date, but not later than 60 days after the guaranty agency's receipt of the borrower's hearing request. However—

(1) The borrower may request an extension of that deadline for a reasonable period, as determined by the hearing official, for the purpose of submitting additional evidence or raising a new objection described in paragraph (b)(9)(i)(F)(1)(ii) of this section; and

(2) The agency may request, and the hearing official must grant, a reasonable extension of time sufficient to enable the guaranty agency to evaluate and respond to any such additional evidence or any objections raised pursuant to paragraph (b)(9)(i)(F)(1)(ii) of this section.

(K) An employer served with a garnishment order from the guaranty agency with respect to a borrower whose wages are not then subject to a withholding order of any kind must deduct and pay to the agency from a borrower's disposable pay an amount that does not exceed the smallest of—

(1) The amount specified in the guaranty agency order;

(2) The amount permitted by section 488A(a)(1) of the Act, which is 15 percent of the borrower's disposable pay; or

(3) The amount permitted by 15 U.S.C. 1673(a)(2), which is the amount by which the borrower's disposable pay exceeds 30 times the minimum wage.

(L) If a borrower's pay is subject to more than one garnishment order—

(1) Unless other Federal law requires a different priority, the employer must pay the agency the amount calculated under paragraph (b)(9)(i)(K) of this section before the employer complies with any later garnishment orders, except a family support withholding order;

(2) If an employer is withholding from a borrower's pay based on a garnishment order served on the employer before the guaranty agency's order, or if a withholding order for family support is served on an employer at any time, the employer must comply with the agency's garnishment order by withholding an amount that is the lesser of—

(i) The amount specified in the guaranty agency order; or

(ii) The amount calculated under paragraph (b)(9)(i)(L)(3) of this section less the amount or amounts withheld under the garnishment order or orders that have priority over the agency's order; and

(3) The cumulative withholding for all garnishment orders issued by guaranty agencies may not exceed, for an individual borrower, the amount permitted by 15 U.S.C. 1673,which. If a borrower owes debts to one or more guaranty agencies, each agency may issue a garnishment order to enforce each of those debts, but no single agency may order a total amount exceeding 15 percent of the disposable pay of a borrower to be withheld. The employer must honor these orders as provided in paragraphs (b)(9)(i)(L)(1) and (2) of this section.

(M) Notwithstanding paragraphs (b)(9)(i)(K) and (L) of this section, an employer may withhold and pay a greater amount than required under the order if the borrower gives the employer written consent.

(N) A borrower may, at any time, raise an objection to the amount or the rate of withholding specified in the guaranty agency's order to the borrower's employer on the ground of financial hardship. However, the guaranty agency is not required to consider such an objection and provide the borrower with a hearing until at least six months after the agency issued the most recent garnishment order, either one for which the borrower did not request a hearing or one that was issued after a hardship-related hearing determination. The agency may provide a hearing in extraordinary circumstances earlier than six months if the borrower's request for review shows that the borrower's financial circumstances have substantially changed after the garnishment notice because of an event such as injury, divorce, or catastrophic illness.

(O) A garnishment order is effective until the guaranty agency rescinds the order or the agency has fully recovered the amounts owed by the borrower, including interest, late fees, and collections costs. If an employer is unable to honor a garnishment order because the amount available for garnishment is insufficient to pay any portion of the amount stated in the order, the employer must notify the agency and comply with the order when sufficient disposable pay is available. Upon full recovery of the debt, the agency must send the borrower's employer notification to stop wage withholding.

(P) The guaranty agency must sue any employer for any amount that the employer, after receipt of the withholding order provided by the agency under paragraph (b)(9)(i)(R) of this section, fails to withhold from wages owed and payable to an employee under the employer's normal pay and disbursement cycle.

(Q) The guaranty agency may not garnish the wages of a borrower whom it knows has been involuntarily separated from employment until the borrower has been reemployed continuously for at least 12 months. The borrower has the burden of informing the guaranty agency of the circumstances surrounding the borrower's involuntary separation from employment.

(R) Unless the guaranty agency receives information that the agency believes justifies a delay or cancellation of the withholding order, it must send a withholding order to the employer within 20 days after the borrower fails to make a timely request for a hearing, or, if a timely request for a hearing is made by the borrower, within 20 days after a final decision is made by the agency to proceed with garnishment.

(S) The notice given to the employer under paragraph (b)(9)(i)(R) of this section must contain only the information as may be necessary for the employer to comply with the withholding order and to ensure proper credit for payments received. At a minimum, the notice given to the employer includes the borrower's name, address, and Social Security Number, as well as instructions for withholding and information as to where the employer must send payments.

(T)(1) A guaranty agency may use a third-party servicer or collection contractor to perform administrative activities associated with administrative wage garnishment, but may not allow such a party to conduct required hearings or to determine that a withholding order is to be issued. Subject to the limitations of paragraphs (b)(9)(i)(T)(2) and (3) of this section, administrative activities associated with administrative wage garnishment may include but are not limited to—

(i) Identifying to the agency suitable candidates for wage garnishment pursuant to agency standards;

(ii) Obtaining employment information for the purposes of garnishment;

(iii) Sending candidates selected for garnishment by the agency notices prescribed by the agency;

(iv) Negotiating alternative repayment arrangements with borrowers;

(v) Responding to inquiries from notified borrowers;

(vi) Receiving garnishment payments on behalf of the agency;

(vii) Arranging for the retention of hearing officials and for the conduct of hearings on behalf of the agency;

(viii) Providing information to borrowers or hearing officials on the process or conduct of hearings; and

(ix) Sending garnishment orders and other communications to employers on behalf of the agency.

(2) Only an authorized official of the agency may determine that an individual withholding order is to be issued. The guarantor must record the official's determination for each order it issues, including any order which it causes to be prepared or mailed by a third-party servicer or collection contractor. The guarantor must evidence the official's approval, either by including the official's signature on the order or, if the agency uses a form of withholding order that does not provide for execution by signature, by retaining in the agency's records the identity of the approving official, the date of the approval, the amount or rate of the order, the name and address of the employer to whom the order was issued, and the debt for which the order was issued.

(3) The withholding order must identify the guaranty agency as the holder of the debt, as the issuer of the order, and as the sole party legally authorized to issue the withholding order. If a guaranty agency uses a third-party servicer or collection contractor to prepare and mail a withholding order that includes the name of the servicer or contractor that prepared or mailed the order, the guaranty agency must also ensure that the order contains no captions or representations that the servicer or contractor is the party that issued, or was empowered by Federal law or by the agency to issue, the withholding order.

(U) As specified in section 488A(a)(8) of the Act, the borrower may seek judicial relief, including punitive damages, if the employer discharges, refuses to employ, or takes disciplinary action against the borrower due to the issuance of a withholding order.

(V) A guaranty agency is required to suspend a garnishment order when the agency receives a borrower's fifth qualifying payment under a loan rehabilitation agreement with the agency, unless otherwise directed by the borrower, in accordance with § 682.405(a)(3).

(ii) For purposes of paragraph (b)(9) of this section—

(A) “Borrower” includes all endorsers on a loan;

(B) “Day” means calendar day;

(C) “Disposable pay” means that part of a borrower's compensation for personal services, whether or not denominated as wages from an employer, that remains after the deduction of health insurance premiums and any amounts required by law to be withheld, and includes, but is not limited to, salary, bonuses, commissions, or vacation pay. “Amounts required by law to be withheld” include amounts for deductions such as Social Security taxes and withholding taxes, but do not include any amount withheld under a court order or other withholding order. All references to an amount of disposable pay refer to disposable pay calculated for a single week;

(D) “Employer” means a person or entity that employs the services of another and that pays the latter's wages or salary and includes, but is not limited to, State and local governments, but does not include an agency of the Federal Government;

(E) “Financial hardship” means an inability to meet basic living expenses for goods and services necessary for the survival of the borrower and the borrower's spouse and dependents;

(F) “Garnishment” means the process of withholding amounts from an employee's disposable pay and paying those amounts to a creditor in satisfaction of a withholding order; and

(G) “Withholding order” means any order for withholding or garnishment of pay issued by the guaranty agency and may also be referred to as “wage garnishment order” or “garnishment order.”

(10) Conflicts of interest. (i) A guaranty agency shall maintain and enforce written standards of conduct governing the performance of its employees, officers, directors, trustees, and agents engaged in the selection, award, and administration of contracts or agreements. The standards of conduct must, at a minimum, require disclosure of financial or other interests and must mandate disinterested decision-making. The standards must provide for appropriate disciplinary actions to be applied for violations of the standards by employees, officers, directors, trustees, or agents of the guaranty agency, and must include provisions to—

(A) Prohibit any employee, officer, director, trustee, or agent from participating in the selection, award, or decision-making related to the administration of a contract or agreement supported by the reserve fund described in paragraph (a) of this section, if that participation would create a conflict of interest. Such a conflict would arise if the employee, officer, director, trustee, or agent, or any member of his or her immediate family, his or her partner, or an organization that employs or is about to employ any of those parties has a financial or ownership interest in the organization selected for an award or would benefit from the decision made in the administration of the contract or agreement. The prohibitions described in this paragraph do not apply to employees of a State agency covered by codes of conduct established under State law;

(B) Ensure sufficient separation of responsibility and authority between its lender claims processing as a guaranty agency and its lending or loan servicing activities, or both, within the guaranty agency or between that agency and one or more affiliates, including independence in direct reporting requirements and such management and systems controls as may be necessary to demonstrate, in the independent audit required under § 682.410(b)(1), that claims filed by another arm of the guaranty agency or by an affiliate of that agency receive no more favorable treatment than that accorded the claims filed by a lender or servicer that is not an affiliate or part of the guaranty agency; and

(C) Prohibit the employees, officers, directors, trustees, and agents of the guaranty agency, his or her partner, or any member of his or her immediate family, from soliciting or accepting gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value from contractors or parties to agreements, except that nominal and unsolicited gratuities, favors, or items may be accepted.

(ii) Guaranty agency restructuring. If the Secretary determines that action is necessary to protect the Federal fiscal interest because of an agency's failure to meet the requirements of § 682.410(b)(10)(i), the Secretary may require the agency to comply with any additional measures that the Secretary believes are appropriate, including the total divestiture of the agency's non-FFEL functions and the agency's interests in any affiliated organization.

(c) Enforcement requirements. A guaranty agency shall take such measures and establish such controls as are necessary to ensure its vigorous enforcement of all Federal, State, and guaranty agency requirements, including agreements, applicable to its loan guarantee program, including, at a minimum, the following:

(1) Conducting comprehensive biennial on-site program reviews, using statistically valid techniques to calculate liabilities to the Secretary that each review indicates may exist, of at least—

(i)(A) Each participating lender whose dollar volume of FFEL loans held by the lender and guaranteed by the agency in the preceding year—

(1) Equaled or exceeded two percent of the total of all loans guaranteed by the agency;

(2) Was one of the ten largest lenders whose loans were guaranteed by the agency; or

(3) Equaled or exceeded $10 million in the most recent fiscal year;

(B) Each lender described in section 435(d)(1)(D) or (J) of the Act that is located in any State in which the agency is the principal guarantor, and, at the option of each guaranty agency, the Student Loan Marketing Association; and

(C) Each school that participated in the guaranty agency's program, located in a State for which the guaranty agency is the principal guaranty agency, that has a cohort default rate, as described in subpart M of 34 CFR part 668, that includes FFEL Program loans, for either of the 2 immediately preceding fiscal years, as defined in 34 CFR 668.182, that exceeds 20 percent, unless the school is under a mandate from the Secretary under subpart M of 34 CFR part 668 to take specific default reduction measures or if the total dollar amount of loans entering repayment in each fiscal year on which the cohort default rate of over 20 percent is based does not exceed $100,000; or

(ii) The schools and lenders selected by the agency as an alternative to the reviews required by paragraphs (c)(1)(i)(A)-(C) of this section if the Secretary approves the agency's proposed alternative selection methodology.

(2) Demanding prompt repayment by the responsible parties to lenders, borrowers, the agency, or the Secretary, as appropriate, of all funds found in those reviews to be owed by the participants with regard to loans guaranteed by the agency, whether or not the agency holds the loans, and monitoring the implementation by participants of corrective actions, including these repayments, required by the agency as a result of those reviews.

(3) Referring to the Secretary for further enforcement action any case in which repayment of funds to the Secretary is not made in full within 60 days of the date of the agency's written demand to the school, lender, or other party for payment, together with all supporting documentation, any correspondence, and any other documentation submitted by that party regarding the repayment.

(4) Undertaking or arranging with State or local law enforcement agencies for the prompt and thorough investigation of all allegations and indications of criminal or other programmatic misconduct by its program participants, including violations of Federal law or regulations.

(5) Promptly referring to appropriate State and local regulatory agencies and to nationally recognized accrediting agencies and associations for investigation information received by the guaranty agency that may affect the retention or renewal of the license or accreditation of a program participant.

(6) Promptly reporting all of the allegations and indications of misconduct having a substantial basis in fact, and the scope, progress, and results of the agency's investigations thereof to the Secretary.

(7) Referring appropriate cases to State or local authorities for criminal prosecution or civil litigation.

(8) Promptly notifying the Secretary of—

(i) Any action it takes affecting the FFEL program eligibility of a participating lender or title IV eligibility of a school;

(ii) Information it receives regarding an action affecting the FFEL program eligibility of a participating lender or title IV eligibility of a school taken by a nationally recognized accrediting agency, association, or a State licensing agency;

(iii) Any judicial or administrative proceeding relating to the enforceability of FFEL loans guaranteed by the agency or in which tuition obligations of a school's students are directly at issue, other than a proceeding relating to a single borrower or student; and

(iv) Any petition for relief in bankruptcy, application for receivership, or corporate dissolution proceeding brought by or against a school or lender participating in its loan guarantee program.

(9) Cooperating with all program reviews, investigations, and audits conducted by the Secretary relating to the agency's loan guarantee program.

(10) Taking prompt action to protect the rights of borrowers and the Federal fiscal interest respecting loans that the agency has guaranteed when the agency learns that a school that participated in the FFEL Program or a holder of loans participating in the program is experiencing problems that threaten the solvency of the school or holder, including—

(i) Conducting on-site program reviews;

(ii) Providing training and technical assistance, if appropriate;

(iii) Filing a proof of claim with a bankruptcy court for recovery of any funds due the agency and any refunds due to borrowers on FFEL loans that it has guaranteed when the agency learns that a school has filed a bankruptcy petition;

(iv) Promptly notifying the Secretary that the agency has determined that a school or holder of loans is experiencing potential solvency problems; and

(v) Promptly notifying the Secretary of the results of any actions taken by the agency to protect Federal funds involving such a school or holder.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1845-0020) [57 FR 60323, Dec. 18, 1992] Editorial Note:For Federal Register citations affecting § 682.410, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

(a) General. In the event of delinquency on an FFEL Program loan, the lender must engage in at least the collection efforts described in paragraphs (c) through (n) of this section, except that in the case of a loan made to a borrower who is incarcerated, residing outside a State, Mexico, or Canada, or whose telephone number is unknown, the lender may send a forceful collection letter instead of each telephone effort required by this section.

(b) Delinquency. (1) For purposes of this section, delinquency on a loan begins on the first day after the due date of the first missed payment that is not later made. The due date of the first payment is established by the lender but must occur by the deadlines specified in § 682.209(a) or, if the lender first learns after the fact that the borrower has entered the repayment period, no later than 75 days after the day the lender so learns, except as provided in § 682.209(a)(2)(v) and (a)(3)(ii)(E). If a payment is made late, the first day of delinquency is the day after the due date of the next missed payment that is not later made. A payment that is within five dollars of the amount normally required to advance the due date may nevertheless advance the due date if the lender's procedures allow for that advancement.

(2) At no point during the periods specified in paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) of this section may the lender permit the occurrence of a gap in collection activity, as defined in paragraph (j) of this section, of more than 45 days (60 days in the case of a transfer).

(3) As part of one of the collection activities provided for in this section, the lender must provide the borrower with information on the availability of the Student Loan Ombudsman's office.

(c) 1-15 days delinquent. Except in the case in which a loan is brought into this period by a payment on the loan, expiration of an authorized deferment or forbearance period, or the lender's receipt from the drawee of a dishonored check submitted as a payment on the loan, the lender during this period must send at least one written notice or collection letter to the borrower informing the borrower of the delinquency and urging the borrower to make payments sufficient to eliminate the delinquency. The notice or collection letter sent during this period must include, at a minimum, a lender or servicer contact, a telephone number, and a prominent statement informing the borrower that assistance may be available if he or she is experiencing difficulty in making a scheduled repayment.

(d) 16-180 days delinquent (16-240 days delinquent for a loan repayable in installments less frequently than monthly). (1) Unless exempted under paragraph (d)(4) of this section, during this period the lender must engage in at least four diligent efforts to contact the borrower by telephone and send at least four collection letters urging the borrower to make the required payments on the loan. At least one of the diligent efforts to contact the borrower by telephone must occur on or before, and another one must occur after, the 90th day of delinquency. Collection letters sent during this period must include, at a minimum, information for the borrower regarding deferment, forbearance, income-sensitive repayment, income-based repayment and loan consolidation, and other available options to avoid default.

(2) At least two of the collection letters required under paragraph (d)(1) of this section must warn the borrower that, if the loan is not paid, the lender will assign the loan to the guaranty agency that, in turn, will report the default to each nationwide consumer reporting agency, and that the agency may institute proceedings to offset the borrower's State and Federal income tax refunds and other payments made by the Federal Government to the borrower or to garnish the borrower's wages, or to assign the loan to the Federal Government for litigation against the borrower.

(3) Following the lender's receipt of a payment on the loan or a correct address for the borrower, the lender's receipt from the drawee of a dishonored check received as a payment on the loan, the lender's receipt of a correct telephone number for the borrower, or the expiration of an authorized deferment or forbearance period, the lender is required to engage in only—

(i) Two diligent efforts to contact the borrower by telephone during this period, if the loan is less than 91 days delinquent (121 days delinquent for a loan repayable in installments less frequently than monthly) upon receipt of the payment, correct address, correct telephone number, or returned check, or expiration of the deferment or forbearance; or

(ii) One diligent effort to contact the borrower by telephone during this period if the loan is 91-120 days delinquent (121-180 days delinquent for a loan repayable in installments less frequently than monthly) upon receipt of the payment, correct address, correct telephone number, or returned check, or expiration of the deferment or forbearance.

(4) A lender need not attempt to contact by telephone any borrower who is more than 120 days delinquent (180 days delinquent for a loan repayable in installments less frequent than monthly) following the lender's receipt of—

(i) A payment on the loan;

(ii) A correct address or correct telephone number for the borrower;

(iii) A dishonored check received from the drawee as a payment on the loan; or

(iv) The expiration of an authorized deferment or forbearance.

(e) 181-270 days delinquent (241-330 days delinquent for a loan repayable in installments less frequently than monthly). During this period the lender must engage in efforts to urge the borrower to make the required payments on the loan. These efforts must, at a minimum, provide information to the borrower regarding options to avoid default and the consequences of defaulting on the loan.

(f) Final demand. On or after the 241st day of delinquency (the 301st day for loans payable in less frequent installments than monthly) the lender must send a final demand letter to the borrower requiring repayment of the loan in full and notifying the borrower that a default will be reported to each nationwide consumer reporting agency. The lender must allow the borrower at least 30 days after the date the letter is mailed to respond to the final demand letter and to bring the loan out of default before filing a default claim on the loan.

(g) Collection procedures when borrower's telephone number is not available. Upon completion of a diligent but unsuccessful effort to ascertain the correct telephone number of a borrower as required by paragraph (m) of this section, the lender is excused from any further efforts to contact the borrower by telephone, unless the borrower's number is obtained before the 211th day of delinquency (the 271st day for loans repayable in installments less frequently than monthly).

(h) Skip-tracing. (1) Unless the letter specified under paragraph (f) of this section has already been sent, within 10 days of its receipt of information indicating that it does not know the borrower's current address, the lender must begin to diligently attempt to locate the borrower through the use of effective commercial skip-tracing techniques. These efforts must include, but are not limited to, sending a letter to or making a diligent effort to contact each endorser, relative, reference, individual, and entity, identified in the borrower's loan file, including the schools the student attended. For this purpose, a lender's contact with a school official who might reasonably be expected to know the borrower's address may be with someone other than the financial aid administrator, and may be in writing or by phone calls. These efforts must be completed by the date of default with no gap of more than 45 days between attempts to contact those individuals or entities.

(2) Upon receipt of information indicating that it does not know the borrower's current address, the lender must discontinue the collection efforts described in paragraphs (c) through (f) of this section.

(3) If the lender is unable to ascertain the borrower's current address despite its performance of the activities described in paragraph (h)(1) of this section, the lender is excused thereafter from performance of the collection activities described in paragraphs (c) through (f) and (l)(1) through (l)(3) and (l)(5) of this section unless it receives communication indicating the borrower's address before the 241st day of delinquency (the 301st day for loans payable in less frequent installments than monthly).

(4) The activities specified by paragraph (m)(1)(i) or (ii) of this section (with references to the “borrower” understood to mean endorser, reference, relative, individual, or entity as appropriate) meet the requirement that the lender make a diligent effort to contact each individual identified in the borrower's loan file.

(i) Default aversion assistance. Not earlier than the 60th day and no later than the 120th day of delinquency, a lender must request default aversion assistance from the guaranty agency that guarantees the loan.

(j) Gap in collection activity. For purposes of this section, the term gap in collection activity means, with respect to a loan, any period—

(1) Beginning on the date that is the day after—

(i) The due date of a payment unless the lender does not know the borrower's address on that date;

(ii) The day on which the lender receives a payment on a loan that remains delinquent notwithstanding the payment;

(iii) The day on which the lender receives the correct address for a delinquent borrower;

(iv) The day on which the lender completes a collection activity;

(v) The day on which the lender receives a dishonored check submitted as a payment on the loan;

(vi) The expiration of an authorized deferment or forbearance period on a delinquent loan; or

(vii) The day the lender receives information indicating it does not know the borrower's current address; and

(2) Ending on the date of the earliest of—

(i) The day on which the lender receives the first subsequent payment or completed deferment request or forbearance agreement;

(ii) The day on which the lender begins the first subsequent collection activity;

(iii) The day on which the lender receives written communication from the borrower relating to his or her account; or

(iv) Default.

(k) Transfer. For purposes of this section, the term transfer with respect to a loan means any action, including, but not limited to, the sale of the loan, that results in a change in the system used to monitor or conduct collection activity on a loan from one system to another.

(l) Collection activity. For purposes of this section, the term collection activity with respect to a loan means—

(1) Mailing or otherwise transmitting to the borrower at an address that the lender reasonably believes to be the borrower's current address a collection letter or final demand letter that satisfies the timing and content requirements of paragraph (c), (d), (e), or (f) of this section;

(2) Making an attempt to contact the borrower by telephone to urge the borrower to begin or resume repayment;

(3) Conducting skip-tracing efforts, in accordance with paragraph (h)(1) or (m)(1)(iii) of this section, to locate a borrower whose correct address or telephone number is unknown to the lender;

(4) Mailing or otherwise transmitting to the guaranty agency a request for default aversion assistance available from the agency on the loan at the time the request is transmitted; or

(5) Any telephone discussion or personal contact with the borrower so long as the borrower is apprised of the account's past-due status.

(m) Diligent effort for telephone contact. (1) For purposes of this section, the term diligent effort with respect to telephone contact means—

(i) A successful effort to contact the borrower by telephone;

(ii) At least two unsuccessful attempts to contact the borrower by telephone at a number that the lender reasonably believes to be the borrower's correct telephone number; or

(iii) An unsuccessful effort to ascertain the correct telephone number of a borrower, including, but not limited to, a directory assistance inquiry as to the borrower's telephone number, and sending a letter to or making a diligent effort to contact each reference, relative, and individual identified in the most recent loan application or most recent school certification for that borrower held by the lender. The lender may contact a school official other than the financial aid administrator who reasonably may be expected to know the borrower's address or telephone number.

(2) If the lender is unable to ascertain the borrower's correct telephone number despite its performance of the activities described in paragraph (m)(1)(iii) of this section, the lender is excused thereafter from attempting to contact the borrower by telephone unless it receives a communication indicating the borrower's current telephone number before the 211th day of delinquency (the 271st day for loans repayable in installments less frequently than monthly).

(3) The activities specified by paragraph (m)(1) (i) or (ii) of this section (with references to “the borrower” understood to mean endorser, reference, relative, or individual as appropriate), meet the requirement that the lender make a diligent effort to contact each endorser or each reference, relative, or individual identified on the borrower's most recent loan application or most recent school certification.

(n) Due diligence for endorsers. (1) Before filing a default claim on a loan with an endorser, the lender must—

(i) Make a diligent effort to contact the endorser by telephone; and

(ii) Send the endorser on the loan two letters advising the endorser of the delinquent status of the loan and urging the endorser to make the required payments on the loan with at least one letter containing the information described in paragraph (d)(2) of this section (with references to “the borrower” understood to mean the endorser).

(2) On or after the 241st day of delinquency (the 301st day for loans payable in less frequent installments than monthly) the lender must send a final demand letter to the endorser requiring repayment of the loan in full and notifying the endorser that a default will be reported to each nationwide consumer reporting agency. The lender must allow the endorser at least 30 days after the date the letter is mailed to respond to the final demand letter and to bring the loan out of default before filing a default claim on the loan.

(3) Unless the letter specified under paragraph (n)(2) of this section has already been sent, upon receipt of information indicating that it does not know the endorser's current address or telephone number, the lender must diligently attempt to locate the endorser through the use of effective commercial skip-tracing techniques. This effort must include an inquiry to directory assistance.

(o) Preemption. The provisions of this section—

(1) Preempt any State law, including State statutes, regulations, or rules, that would conflict with or hinder satisfaction of the requirements or frustrate the purposes of this section; and

(2) Do not preempt provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act that provide relief to a borrower while the lender determines the legal enforceability of a loan when the lender receives a valid identity theft report or notification from a consumer reporting agency that information furnished is a result of an alleged identity theft as defined in § 682.402(e)(14).

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1845-0020) (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1078,1078,1078,1078,1080a,1082,1087,Oct. 29, 1999, as amended at 64 FR 58965, Nov. 1, 1999; 72 FR 62006, Nov. 1, 2007; 73 FR 63254, Oct. 23, 2008; 78 FR 65820, Nov. 1, 2013]

(a) The lender shall immediately send to the borrower a final demand letter meeting the requirements of § 682.411(f) when it learns and can substantiate that the borrower or the student on whose behalf a parent has borrowed, without the lender or school's knowledge at the time the loan was made, provided false or erroneous information or took actions that caused the student or borrower—

(1) To be ineligible for all or a portion of a loan made under this part;

(2) To receive a Stafford loan subject to payment of Federal interest benefits for which he or she was ineligible; or

(3) To receive loan proceeds for a period of enrollment from which he or she has withdrawn or been expelled prior to the first day of classes or during which he or she failed to attend school and has not paid those funds to the school or repaid them to the lender.

(b) The lender shall neither bill the Secretary for nor be entitled to interest benefits on a loan after it learns that one of the conditions described in paragraph (a) of this section exists with respect to the loan.

(c) In the final demand letter transmitted under paragraph (a) of this section, the lender shall demand that within 30 days from the date the letter is mailed the borrower repay in full any principal amount for which the borrower is ineligible and any accrued interest, including interest and all special allowance paid by the Secretary.

(d) If the borrower repays the amounts described in paragraph (c) of this section within the 30-day period, the lender shall—

(1) On its next quarterly interest billing submitted under § 682.305, refund to the Secretary the interest benefits and special allowance repaid by the borrower and all other interest benefits and special allowance previously paid by the Secretary on the ineligible portion of the loan; and

(2) Treat that payment of the principal amount of the ineligible portion of the loan as a prepayment of principal.

(e) If a borrower fails to comply with the terms of a final demand letter described in paragraph (a) of this section, the lender shall treat the entire loan as in default, and—

(1) With its next quarterly interest billing submitted under § 682.305, refund to the Secretary the amount of the interest benefits received from the Secretary on the ineligible portion of the loan, whether or not repaid by the borrower; and

(2) Within the time specified in § 682.406(a)(5), file a default claim thereon with the guaranty agency for the entire unpaid balance of principal and accrued interest.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1840-0538) (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1077,1078,1078-1,1078-2,1078-3,1082,1087,Dec. 18, 1992, as amended at 58 FR 9120, Feb. 19, 1993; 60 FR 61757, Dec. 1, 1995; 64 FR 58632, Oct. 29, 1999; 78 FR 65820, Nov. 1, 2013]

(a)(1) The Secretary requires a lender and its third-party servicer administering any aspect of the FFEL programs under a contract with the lender to repay interest benefits and special allowance or other compensation received on a loan guaranteed by a guaranty agency, pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of this section—

(i) For any period beginning on the date of a failure by the lender or servicer, with respect to the loan, to comply with any of the requirements set forth in § 682.406(a)(1)-(a)(6), (a)(9), and (a)(12);

(ii) For any period beginning on the date of a failure by the lender or servicer, with respect to the loan, to meet a condition of guarantee coverage established by the guaranty agency, to the date, if any, on which the guaranty agency reinstated the guarantee coverage pursuant to policies and procedures established by the agency;

(iii) For any period in which the lender or servicer, with respect to the loan, violates the requirements of subpart C of this part; and

(iv) For any period beginning on the day after the Secretary's obligation to pay special allowance on the loan terminates under § 682.302(d).

(2) For purposes of this section, a lender and any applicable third-party servicer shall be considered jointly and severally liable for the repayment of any interest benefits and special allowance paid as a result of a violation of applicable requirements by the servicer in administering the lender's FFEL programs.

(3) For purposes of paragraph (a)(2) of this section, the relevant third-party servicer shall repay any outstanding liabilities under paragraph (a)(2) of this section only if—

(i) The Secretary has determined that the servicer is jointly and severally liable for the liabilities; and

(ii) (A) The lender has not repaid in full the amount of the liability within 30 days from the date the lender receives notice from the Secretary of the liability;

(B) The lender has not made other satisfactory arrangements to pay the amount of the liability within 30 days from the date the lender receives notice from the Secretary of the liability; or

(C) The Secretary is unable to collect the liability from the lender by offsetting the lender's bill to the Secretary for interest benefits or special allowance, if—

(1) The bill is submitted after the 30 day period specified in paragraph (a)(3)(ii)(A) of this section has passed; and

(2) The lender has not paid, or made satisfactory arrangements to pay, the liability.

(b)(1) The Secretary requires a guaranty agency to repay reinsurance payments received on a loan if the lender, third-party servicer, if applicable, or the agency failed to meet the requirements of § 682.406(a).

(2) The Secretary may require a guaranty agency to repay reinsurance payments received on a loan or to assign FFEL loans to the Department if the agency fails to meet the requirements of § 682.410.

(c)(1) In addition to requiring repayment of reinsurance payments pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section, the Secretary may take one or more of the following remedial actions against a guaranty agency or third-party servicer administering any aspect of the FFEL programs under a contract with the guaranty agency, that makes an incomplete or incorrect statement in connection with any agreement entered into under this part or violates any applicable Federal requirement:

(i) Require the agency to return payments made by the Secretary to the agency.

(ii) Withhold payments to the agency.

(iii) Limit the terms and conditions of the agency's continued participation in the FFEL programs.

(iv) Suspend or terminate agreements with the agency.

(v) Impose a fine on the agency or servicer. For purposes of assessing a fine on a third-party servicer, a repeated mechanical systemic unintentional error shall be counted as one violation, unless the servicer has been cited for a similar violation previously and had failed to make the appropriate corrections to the system.

(vi) Require repayment from the agency and servicer pursuant to paragraph (c)(2) of this section, of interest, special allowance, and reinsurance paid on Consolidation loan amounts attributed to Consolidation loans for which the required lender verification certification is not available.

(vii) Require repayment from the agency or servicer, pursuant to paragraph (c)(2) of this section, of any related payments that the Secretary became obligated to make to others as a result of an incomplete or incorrect statement or a violation of an applicable Federal requirement.

(2) For purposes of this section, a guaranty agency and any applicable third-party servicer shall be considered jointly and severally liable for the repayment of any interest benefits, special allowance, reinsurance paid, or other compensation on Consolidation loan amounts attributed to Consolidation loans as specified in § 682.413(c)(1)(vi) as a result of a violation by the servicer administering any aspect of the FFEL programs under a contract with that guaranty agency.

(3) For purposes of paragraph (c)(2) of this section, the relevant third-party servicer shall repay any outstanding liabilities under paragraph (c)(2) of this section only if—

(i) The Secretary has determined that the servicer is jointly and severally liable for the liabilities; and

(ii) (A) The guaranty agency has not repaid in full the amount of the liability within 30 days from the date the guaranty agency receives notice from the Secretary of the liability;

(B) The guaranty agency has not made other satisfactory arrangements to pay the amount of the liability within 30 days from the date the guaranty agency receives notice from the Secretary of the liability; or

(C) The Secretary is unable to collect the liability from the guaranty agency by offsetting the guaranty agency's first reinsurance claim to the Secretary, if—

(1) The claim is submitted after the 30-day period specified in paragraph (c)(3)(ii)(A) of this section has passed; and

(2) The guaranty agency has not paid, or made satisfactory arrangements to pay, the liability.

(d)(1) The Secretary follows the procedures described in 34 CFR part 668, subpart G, applicable to fine proceedings against schools, in imposing a fine against a lender, guaranty agency, or third-party servicer. References to “the institution” in those regulations shall be understood to mean the lender, guaranty agency, or third-party servicer, as applicable, for this purpose.

(2) The Secretary also follows the provisions of section 432(g) of the Act in imposing a fine against a guaranty agency or lender.

(e)(1)(i) The Secretary's decision to require repayment of funds, withhold funds, or to limit or suspend a lender, guaranty agency, or third party servicer from participation in the FFEL Program or to terminate a lender or third party from participation in the FFEL Program does not become final until the Secretary provides the lender, agency, or servicer with written notice of the intended action and an opportunity to be heard. The hearing is at a time and in a manner the Secretary determines to be appropriate to the resolution of the issues on which the lender, agency, or servicer requests the hearing.

(ii) The Secretary's decision to terminate a guaranty agency's participation in the FFEL Program after September 24, 1998 does not become final until the Secretary provides the agency with written notice of the intended action and provides an opportunity for a hearing on the record.

(2)(i) The Secretary may withhold payments from an agency or suspend an agreement with an agency prior to giving notice and an opportunity to be heard if the Secretary finds that emergency action is necessary to prevent substantial harm to Federal interests.

(ii) The Secretary follows the notice and show cause procedures described in § 682.704 applicable to emergency actions against lenders in taking an emergency action against a guaranty agency.

(3) The Secretary follows the procedures in 34 CFR 30.20-30.32 in collecting a debt by offset against payments otherwise due a guaranty agency or lender.

(f) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a)-(e) of this section, the Secretary may waive the right to require repayment of funds by a lender or agency if in the Secretary's judgment the best interests of the United States so require. The Secretary's waiver policy for violations of § 682.406(a)(3) or (a)(5) is set forth in appendix D to this part.

(g) The Secretary's final decision to require repayment of funds or to take other remedial action, other than a fine, against a lender or guaranty agency under this section is conclusive and binding on the lender or agency.

(h) In any action to require repayment of funds or to withhold funds from a guaranty agency, or to limit, suspend, or terminate a guaranty agency based on a violation of section 428(b)(3) of the Act, if the Secretary finds that the guaranty agency provided or offered the prohibited payments or activities, the Secretary applies a rebuttable presumption that the payments or activities were offered or provided to secure applications for FFEL loans or to secure FFEL loan volume. To reverse the presumption, the guaranty agency must present evidence that the activities or payments were provided for a reason unrelated to securing applications for FFEL loans or securing FFEL loan volume.

Note to § 682.413:

A decision by the Secretary under this section is subject to judicial review under 5 U.S.C. 706 and 41 U.S.C. 321-322.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1078,1078,1078,1078,1082,1087,1097,Dec. 18, 1992, as amended at 59 FR 22454, Apr. 29, 1994; 59 FR 61190, Nov. 29, 1994; 61 FR 60487, Nov. 27, 1996; 64 FR 18981, Apr. 16, 1999; 64 FR 58632, Oct. 29, 1999; 72 FR 62006, Nov. 1, 2007; 78 FR 65820, Nov. 1, 2013]

(a) Records. (1)(i) The guaranty agency shall maintain current, complete, and accurate records of each loan that it holds, including, but not limited to, the records described in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section. The records must be maintained in a system that allows ready identification of each loan's current status, updated at least once every 10 business days. Any reference to a guaranty agency under this section includes a third-party servicer that administers any aspect of the FFEL programs under a contract with the guaranty agency, if applicable.

(ii) The agency shall maintain—

(A) All documentation supporting the claim filed by the lender;

(B) Notices of changes in a borrower's address;

(C) A payment history showing the date and amount of each payment received from or on behalf of the borrower by the guaranty agency, and the amount of each payment that was attributed to principal, accrued interest, and collection costs and other charges, such as late charges;

(D) A collection history showing the date and subject of each communication between the agency and the borrower or endorser relating to collection of a defaulted loan, each communication between the agency and a consumer reporting agency regarding the loan, each effort to locate a borrower whose address was unknown at any time, and each request by the lender for default aversion assistance on the loan;

(E) Documentation regarding any wage garnishment actions initiated by the agency on the loan;

(F) Documentation of any matters relating to the collection of the loan by tax-refund offset; and

(G) Any additional records that are necessary to document its right to receive or retain payments made by the Secretary under this part and the accuracy of reports it submits to the Secretary.

(2) A guaranty agency must retain the records required for each loan for not less than 3 years following the date the loan is repaid in full by the borrower, or for not less than 5 years following the date the agency receives payment in full from any other source. However, in particular cases, the Secretary may require the retention of records beyond these minimum periods.

(3) A guaranty agency shall retain a copy of the audit report required under § 682.410(b) for not less than five years after the report is issued.

(4)(i) The guaranty agency shall require a participating lender to maintain current, complete, and accurate records of each loan that it holds, including, but not limited to, the records described in paragraph (a)(4)(ii) of this section. The records must be maintained in a system that allows ready identification of each loan's current status.

(ii) The lender shall keep—

(A) A copy of the loan application if a separate application was provided to the lender;

(B) A copy of the signed promissory note;

(C) The repayment schedule;

(D) A record of each disbursement of loan proceeds;

(E) Notices of changes in a borrower's address and status as at least a half-time student;

(F) Evidence of the borrower's eligibility for a deferment;

(G) The documents required for the exercise of forbearance;

(H) Documentation of the assignment of the loan;

(I) A payment history showing the date and amount of each payment received from or on behalf of the borrower, and the amount of each payment that was attributed to principal, interest, late charges, and other costs;

(J) A collection history showing the date and subject of each communication between the lender and the borrower or endorser relating to collection of a delinquent loan, each communication other than regular reports by the lender showing that an account is current, between the lender and a consumer reporting agency regarding the loan, each effort to locate a borrower whose address is unknown at any time, and each request by the lender for default aversion assistance on the loan;

(K) Documentation of any MPN confirmation process or processes; and

(L) Any additional records that are necessary to document the validity of a claim against the guarantee or the accuracy of reports submitted under this part.

(iii) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(4)(iv) of this section, a lender must retain the records required for each loan for not less than 3 years following the date the loan is repaid in full by the borrower, or for not less than five years following the date the lender receives payment in full from any other source. However, in particular cases, the Secretary or the guaranty agency may require the retention of records beyond this minimum period.

(iv) A lender shall retain a copy of the audit report required under § 682.305(c) for not less than five years after the report is issued.

(5)(i) A guaranty agency or lender may store the records specified in paragraphs (a)(4)(ii)(C)-(L) of this section in accordance with 34 CFR 668.24(d)(3)(i) through (iv).

(ii) If a promissory note was signed electronically, the guaranty agency or lender must store it electronically and it must be retrievable in a coherent format.

(iii) A lender or guaranty agency holding a promissory note must retain the original or a true and exact copy of the promissory note until the loan is paid in full or assigned to the Secretary. When a loan is paid in full by the borrower, the lender or guaranty agency must return either the original or a true and exact copy of the note to the borrower or notify the borrower that the loan is paid in full, and retain a copy for the prescribed period.

(iv) If a lender made a loan based on an electronically signed MPN, the holder of the original electronically signed MPN must retain that original MPN for at least 3 years after all the loans made on the MPN have been satisfied.

(6)(i) Upon the Secretary's request with respect to a particular loan or loans assigned to the Secretary and evidenced by an electronically signed promissory note, the guaranty agency and the lender that created the original electronically signed promissory note must cooperate with the Secretary in all activities necessary to enforce the loan or loans. The guaranty agency or lender must provide—

(A) An affidavit or certification regarding the creation and maintenance of the electronic records of the loan or loans in a form appropriate to ensure admissibility of the loan records in a legal proceeding. This affidavit or certification may be executed in a single record for multiple loans provided that this record is reliably associated with the specific loans to which it pertains; and

(B) Testimony by an authorized official or employee of the guaranty agency or lender, if necessary to ensure admission of the electronic records of the loan or loans in the litigation or legal proceeding to enforce the loan or loans.

(ii) The affidavit or certification described in paragraph (a)(6)(i)(A) of this section must include, if requested by the Secretary—

(A) A description of the steps followed by a borrower to execute the promissory note (such as a flow chart);

(B) A copy of each screen as it would have appeared to the borrower of the loan or loans the Secretary is enforcing when the borrower signed the note electronically;

(C) A description of the field edits and other security measures used to ensure integrity of the data submitted to the originator electronically;

(D) A description of how the executed promissory note has been preserved to ensure that it has not been altered after it was executed;

(E) Documentation supporting the lender's authentication and electronic signature process; and

(F) All other documentary and technical evidence requested by the Secretary to support the validity or the authenticity of the electronically signed promissory note.

(iii) The Secretary may request a record, affidavit, certification or evidence under paragraph (a)(6) of this section as needed to resolve any factual dispute involving a loan that has been assigned to the Secretary including, but not limited to, a factual dispute raised in connection with litigation or any other legal proceeding, or as needed in connection with loans assigned to the Secretary that are included in a Title IV program audit sample, or for other similar purposes. The guaranty agency must respond to any request from the Secretary within 10 business days.

(iv) As long as any loan made to a borrower under a MPN created by the lender is not satisfied, the holder of the original electronically signed promissory note is responsible for ensuring that all parties entitled to access to the electronic loan record, including the guaranty agency and the Secretary, have full and complete access to the electronic record.

(b) Reports. A guaranty agency shall accurately complete and submit to the Secretary the following reports:

(1) A report concerning the status of the agency's reserve fund and the operation of the agency's loan guarantee program at the time and in the manner that the Secretary may reasonably require. The Secretary does not pay the agency any funds, the amount of which are determined by reference to data in the report, until a complete and accurate report is received.

(2) Annually, for each State in which it operates, a report of the total guaranteed loan volume, default volume, and default rate for each of the following categories of originating lenders on all loans guaranteed after December 31, 1980:

(i) State or private nonprofit lenders.

(ii) Commercial financial institutions (banks, savings and loan associations, and credit unions).

(iii) All other types of lenders.

(3) By July 1 of each year, a report on—

(i) Its eligibility criteria for lenders;

(ii) Its procedures for the limitation, suspension, and termination of lenders;

(iii) Any actions taken in the preceding 12 months to limit, suspend, or terminate the participation of a lender in the agency's program; and

(iv) The steps the agency has taken to ensure its compliance with § 682.410(c), including the identity of any law enforcement agency with which the agency has made arrangements for that purpose.

(4) A report to the Secretary of the borrower's enrollment and loan status information, details related to the loans or borrower's deferments, forbearances, repayment plans, delinquency and contact information, or any title IV loan-related data required by the Secretary, by the deadline date established by the Secretary.

(5) Any other information concerning its loan insurance program requested by the Secretary.

(c) Inspection requirements. (1) For purposes of examination of records, references to an institution in 34 CFR 668.24(f) (1) through (3) shall mean a guaranty agency or its agent.

(2) A guaranty agency shall require in its agreement with a lender or in its published rules or procedures that the lender or its agent give the Secretary or the Secretary's designee and the guaranty agency access to the lender's records for inspection and copying in order to verify the accuracy of the information provided by the lender pursuant to § 682.401(b) (12) and (13), and the right of the lender to receive or retain payments made under this part, or to permit the Secretary or the agency to enforce any right acquired by the Secretary or the agency under this part.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1845-0020) (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1078,1078,1078,1078,1082,1087,Dec. 18, 1992, as amended at 58 FR 9120, Feb. 19, 1993; 59 FR 22455, 22489, Apr. 29, 1994; 59 FR 33358, June 28, 1994; 59 FR 34964, July 7, 1994; 61 FR 60493, Nov. 27, 1996; 64 FR 58632, Oct. 29, 1999; 64 FR 58963, Nov. 1, 1999; 65 FR 65621, Nov. 1, 2000; 66 FR 34764, June 29, 2001; 67 FR 67080, Nov. 1, 2002; 72 FR 62007, Nov. 1, 2007; 78 FR 65820, Nov. 1, 2013; 87 FR 66054, Nov. 1, 2022]

(a) Standards for administrative capability. A third-party servicer is considered administratively responsible if it—

(1) Provides the services and administrative resources necessary to fulfill its contract with a lender or guaranty agency, and conducts all of its contractual obligations that apply to the FFEL programs in accordance with FFEL programs regulations;

(2) Has business systems including combined automated and manual systems, that are capable of meeting the requirements of part B of Title IV of the Act and with the FFEL programs regulations; and

(3) Has adequate personnel who are knowledgeable about the FFEL programs.

(b) Standards of financial responsibility. The Secretary applies the provisions of 34 CFR 668.15(b) (1)-(4) and (6)-(9) to determine that a third-party servicer is financially responsible under this part. References to “the institution” in those provisions shall be understood to mean the third-party servicer, for this purpose.

(c) Special review of third-party servicer. (1) The Secretary may review a third-party servicer to determine that it meets the administrative capability and financial responsibility standards in this section.

(2) In response to a request from the Secretary, the servicer shall provide evidence to demonstrate that it meets the administrative capability and financial responsibility standards in this section.

(3) The servicer may also provide evidence of why administrative action is unwarranted if it is unable to demonstrate that it meets the standards of this section.

(4) Based on the review of the materials provided by the servicer, the Secretary determines if the servicer meets the standards in this part. If the servicer does not, the Secretary may initiate an administrative proceeding under subpart G.

(d) Past performance of third-party servicer or persons affiliated with servicer. Notwithstanding paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, a third-party servicer is not financially responsible if—

(1)(i) The servicer; its owner, majority shareholder, or chief executive officer; any person employed by the servicer in a capacity that involves the administration of a Title IV, HEA program or the receipt of Title IV, HEA program funds; any person, entity, or officer or employee of an entity with which the servicer contracts where that person, entity, or officer or employee of the entity acts in a capacity that involves the administration of a Title IV, HEA program or the receipt of Title IV, HEA program funds has been convicted of, or has pled nolo contendere or guilty to, a crime involving the acquisition, use, or expenditure of Federal, State, or local government funds, or has been administratively or judicially determined to have committed fraud or any other material violation of law involving such funds, unless—

(A) The funds that were fraudulently obtained, or criminally acquired, used, or expended have been repaid to the United States, and any related financial penalty has been paid;

(B) The persons who were convicted of, or pled nolo contendere or guilty to, a crime involving the acquisition, use, or expenditure of the funds are no longer incarcerated for that crime; and

(C) At least five years have elapsed from the date of the conviction, nolo contendere plea, guilty plea, or administrative or judicial determination; or

(ii) The servicer, or any principal or affiliate of the servicer (as those terms are defined in 34 CFR part 85), is—

(A) Debarred or suspended under Executive Order (E.O.) 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) or the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4; or

(B) Engaging in any activity that is a cause under 2 CFR 180.700 or 180.800, as those sections are adopted at 2 CFR 3485.12 for debarment or suspension under E.O. 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) or the FAR, 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4; and

(2) Upon learning of a conviction, plea, or administrative or judicial determination described in paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the servicer does not promptly remove the person, agency, or organization from any involvement in the administration of the servicer's participation in title IV, HEA programs, including, as applicable, the removal or elimination of any substantial control, as determined under 34 CFR 668.15, over the servicer.

(e) Independent audits. (1) A third-party servicer shall arrange for an independent audit of its administration of the FFELP loan portfolio unless—

(i) The servicer contracts with only one lender or guaranty agency; and

(ii) The audit of that lender's or guaranty agency's FFEL programs involves every aspect of the servicer's administration of those FFEL programs.

(2) The audit must—

(i) Examine the servicer's compliance with the Act and applicable regulations;

(ii) Examine the servicer's financial management of its FFEL program activities;

(iii) Be conducted in accordance with the standards for audits issued by the United States General Accounting Office's (GAO's) Standards for Audit of Governmental Organizations, Programs, Activities, and Functions. (This publication is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.) Procedures for audits are contained in an audit guide developed by and available from the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Education; and

(iv) Except for the initial audit, be conducted at least annually and be submitted to the Secretary within six months of the end of the audit period. The initial audit must be an annual audit of the servicer's first full fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 1994, and include any period from the beginning of the first full fiscal year. The audit report must be submitted to the Secretary within six months of the end of the audit period. Each subsequent audit must cover the servicer's activities for the one-year period beginning no later than the end of the period covered by the preceding audit.

(3) A third-party servicer must conduct the audit required by this paragraph in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 7502 and 2 CFR part 200, subpart F—Audit Requirements. 3

3 None of the other regulations in 2 CFR part 200 apply to lenders. Only those requirements in subpart F-Audit Requirements, apply to lenders, as required under the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. Chapter 75).

(4) [Reserved]

(f) Contract responsibilities. A lender that participates in the FFEL programs may not enter into a contract with a third-party servicer that the Secretary has determined does not meet the requirements of this section. The lender must provide the Secretary with the name and address of any third-party servicer with which the lender enters into a contract and, upon request by the Secretary, a copy of that contract. A third-party servicer that is under contract with a lender to perform any activity for which the records in § 682.414(a)(4)(ii) are relevant to perform the services for which the servicer has contracted shall maintain current, complete, and accurate records pertaining to each loan that the servicer is under contract to administer on behalf of the lender. The records must be maintained in a system that allows ready identification of each loan's current status.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1840-0537) (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1078,1078,1078,1078,1082; E.O. 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189), 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p. 235)) [57 FR 60323, Dec. 18, 1992, as amended at 59 FR 22455, Apr. 29, 1994; 59 FR 34964, July 7, 1994; 66 FR 34764, June 29, 2001; 68 FR 66615, Nov. 26, 2003; 77 FR 18679, Mar. 28, 2012; 78 FR 65820, Nov. 1, 2013; 79 FR 76105, Dec. 19, 2014]

(a) General. The procedures described in this section apply to a determination by the Secretary that—

(1) A guaranty agency must return to the Secretary a portion of its Federal Fund that the Secretary has determined is unnecessary to pay the program expenses and contingent liabilities of the agency; and

(2) A guaranty agency must require the return to the agency or the Secretary of Federal funds or assets within the meaning of section 422(g)(1) of the Act held by or under the control of any other entity that the Secretary determines are necessary to pay the program expenses and contingent liabilities of the agency or that are required for the orderly termination of the guaranty agency's operations and the liquidation of its assets.

(b) Return of unnecessary Federal funds. (1) The Secretary may initiate a process to recover unnecessary Federal funds under paragraph (a)(1) of this section if the Secretary determines that a guaranty agency's Federal Fund ratio under § 682.410(a)(10) for each of the two preceding Federal fiscal years exceeded 2.0 percent.

(2) If the Secretary initiates a process to recover unnecessary Federal funds, the Secretary requires the return of a portion of the Federal funds that the Secretary determines will permit the agency to—

(i) Have a Federal Fund ratio of at least 2.0 percent under § 682.410(a)(10) at the time of the determination; and

(ii) Meet the minimum Federal Fund requirements under § 682.410(a)(10) and retain sufficient additional Federal funds to perform its responsibilities as a guaranty agency during the current Federal fiscal year and the four succeeding Federal fiscal years.

(3)(i) The Secretary makes a determination of the amount of Federal funds needed by the guaranty agency under paragraph (b)(2) of this section on the basis of financial projections for the period described in that paragraph. If the agency provides projections for a period longer than the period referred to in that paragraph, the Secretary may consider those projections.

(ii) The Secretary may require a guaranty agency to provide financial projections in a form and on the basis of assumptions prescribed by the Secretary. If the Secretary requests the agency to provide financial projections, the agency must provide the projections within 60 days of the Secretary's request. If the agency does not provide the projections within the specified time period, the Secretary determines the amount of Federal funds needed by the agency on the basis of other information.

(c) Notice. (1) The Secretary or an authorized Departmental official begins a proceeding to order a guaranty agency to return a portion of its Federal funds, or to direct the return of Federal funds or assets subject to return, by sending the guaranty agency a notice by certified mail, return receipt requested.

(2) The notice—

(i) Informs the guaranty agency of the Secretary's determination that Federal funds or assets must be returned;

(ii) Describes the basis for the Secretary's determination and contains sufficient information to allow the guaranty agency to prepare and present an appeal;

(iii) States the date by which the return of Federal funds or assets must be completed;

(iv) Describes the process for appealing the determination, including the time for filing an appeal and the procedure for doing so; and

(v) Identifies any actions that the guaranty agency must take to ensure that the Federal funds or assets that are the subject of the notice are maintained and protected against use, expenditure, transfer, or other disbursement after the date of the Secretary's determination, and the basis for requiring those actions. The actions may include, but are not limited to, directing the agency to place the Federal funds in an escrow account. If the Secretary has directed the guaranty agency to require the return of Federal funds or assets held by or under the control of another entity, the guaranty agency must ensure that the agency's claims to those funds or assets and the collectability of the agency's claims will not be compromised or jeopardized during an appeal. The guaranty agency must also comply with all other applicable regulations relating to the use of Federal funds and assets.

(d) Appeal. (1) A guaranty agency may appeal the Secretary's determination that Federal funds or assets must be returned by filing a written notice of appeal within 20 days of the date of the guaranty agency's receipt of the notice of the Secretary's determination. If the agency files a notice of appeal, the requirement that the return of Federal funds or assets be completed by a particular date is suspended pending completion of the appeal process. If the agency does not file a notice of appeal within the period specified in this paragraph, the Secretary's determination is final.

(2) A guaranty agency must submit the information described in paragraph (d)(4) of this section within 45 days of the date of the guaranty agency's receipt of the notice of the Secretary's determination unless the Secretary agrees to extend the period at the agency's request. If the agency does not submit that information within the prescribed period, the Secretary's determination is final.

(3) A guaranty agency's appeal of a determination that Federal funds or assets must be returned is considered and decided by a Departmental official other than the official who issued the determination or a subordinate of that official.

(4) In an appeal of the Secretary's determination, the guaranty agency must—

(i) State the reasons the guaranty agency believes the Federal funds or assets need not be returned;

(ii) Identify any evidence on which the guaranty agency bases its position that Federal funds or assets need not be returned;

(iii) Include copies of the documents that contain this evidence;

(iv) Include any arguments that the guaranty agency believes support its position that Federal funds or assets need not be returned; and

(v) Identify the steps taken by the guaranty agency to comply with the requirements referred to in paragraph (c)(2)(v) of this section.

(5)(i) In its appeal, the guaranty agency may request the opportunity to make an oral argument to the deciding official for the purpose of clarifying any issues raised by the appeal. The deciding official provides this opportunity promptly after the expiration of the period referred to in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

(ii) The agency may not submit new evidence at or after the oral argument unless the deciding official determines otherwise. A transcript of the oral argument is made a part of the record of the appeal and is promptly provided to the agency.

(6) The guaranty agency has the burden of production and the burden of persuading the deciding official that the Secretary's determination should be modified or withdrawn.

(e) Third-party participation. (1) If the Secretary issues a determination under paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the Secretary promptly publishes a notice in the Federal Register announcing the portion of the Federal Fund to be returned by the agency and providing interested persons an opportunity to submit written information relating to the determination within 30 days after the date of publication. The Secretary publishes the notice no earlier than five days after the agency receives a copy of the determination.

(2) If the guaranty agency to which the determination relates files a notice of appeal of the determination, the deciding official may consider any information submitted in response to the Federal Register notice. All information submitted by a third party is available for inspection and copying at the offices of the Department of Education in Washington, D.C., during normal business hours.

(f) Adverse information. If the deciding official considers information in addition to the evidence described in the notice of the Secretary's determination that is adverse to the guaranty agency's position on appeal, the deciding official informs the agency and provides it a reasonable opportunity to respond to the information without regard to the period referred to in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

(g) Decision. (1) The deciding official issues a written decision on the guaranty agency's appeal within 45 days of the date on which the information described in paragraphs (d)(4) and (d)(5)(ii) of this section is received, or the oral argument referred to in paragraph (d)(5) of this section is held, whichever is later. The deciding official mails the decision to the guaranty agency by certified mail, return receipt requested. The decision of the deciding official becomes the final decision of the Secretary 30 days after the deciding official issues it. In the case of a determination that a guaranty agency must return Federal funds, if the deciding official does not issue a decision within the prescribed period, the agency is no longer required to take the actions described in paragraph (c)(2)(v) of this section.

(2) A guaranty agency may not seek judicial review of the Secretary's determination to require the return of Federal funds or assets until the deciding official issues a decision.

(3) The deciding official's written decision includes the basis for the decision. The deciding official bases the decision only on evidence described in the notice of the Secretary's determination and on information properly submitted and considered by the deciding official under this section. The deciding official is bound by all applicable statutes and regulations and may neither waive them nor rule them invalid.

(h) Collection of Federal funds or assets. (1) If the deciding official's final decision requires the guaranty agency to return Federal funds, or requires the guaranty agency to require the return of Federal funds or assets to the agency or to the Secretary, the decision states a new date for compliance with the decision. The new date is no earlier than the date on which the decision becomes the final decision of the Secretary.

(2) If the guaranty agency fails to comply with the decision, the Secretary may recover the Federal funds from any funds due the agency from the Department without any further notice or procedure and may take any other action permitted or authorized by law to compel compliance.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1845-0020) [64 FR 58632, Oct. 29, 1999]

(a) Establishment and control. A guaranty agency must establish and maintain a Federal Student Loan Reserve Fund (referred to as the “Federal Fund”) to be used only as permitted under paragraph (c) of this section. The assets of the Federal Fund and the earnings on those assets are, at all times, the property of the United States. The guaranty agency must exercise the level of care required of a fiduciary charged with the duty of protecting, investing, and administering the money of others.

(b) Deposits. The agency must deposit into the Federal Fund—

(1) All funds, securities, and other liquid assets of the reserve fund that existed under § 682.410;

(2) The total amount of insurance premiums or Federal default fees collected;

(3) Federal payments for default, bankruptcy, death, disability, closed school, false certification, and other claims;

(4) Federal payments for supplemental preclaims assistance activities performed before October 1, 1998;

(5) 70 percent of administrative cost allowances received on or after October 1, 1998 for loans upon which insurance was issued before October 1, 1998;

(6) All funds received by the guaranty agency from any source on FFEL Program loans on which a claim has been paid, within 48 hours of receipt of those funds, minus the portion the agency is authorized to deposit in its Operating Fund;

(7) Investment earnings on the Federal Fund;

(8) Revenue derived from the Federal portion of a nonliquid asset; and

(9) Other funds received by the guaranty agency from any source that are specifically designated for deposit in the Federal Fund.

(c) Uses. A guaranty agency may use the assets of the Federal Fund only—

(1) To pay insurance claims;

(2) To transfer default aversion fees to the agency's Operating Fund;

(3) To transfer account maintenance fees to the agency's Operating Fund, if directed by the Secretary;

(4) To refund payments made by or on behalf of a borrower on a loan that has been discharged in accordance with § 682.402;

(5) To pay the Secretary's share of borrower payments, in accordance with § 682.404(g);

(6) For transfers to the agency's Operating Fund, pursuant to section 422A(f) of the Act;

(7) To refund insurance premiums or Federal default fees related to loans cancelled or refunded, in whole or in part;

(8) To return to the Secretary portions of the Federal Fund required to be returned by the Act; and

(9) For any other purpose authorized by the Secretary.

(d) Prohibition against prepayment. A guaranty agency may not prepay obligations of the Federal Fund unless it demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, that the prepayment is in the best interests of the United States.

(e) Minimum Federal Fund level. The guaranty agency must maintain a minimum Federal Fund level equal to at least 0.25 percent of its insured original principal amount of loans outstanding.

(f) Definitions. For purposes of this section—

(1) Federal Fund level means the total of Federal Fund assets identified in paragraph (b) of this section plus the amount of funds transferred from the Federal Fund that are in the Operating Fund, using an accrual basis of accounting.

(2) Original principal amount of loans outstanding means—

(i) The sum of—

(A) The original principal amount of all loans guaranteed by the agency; and

(B) The original principal amount of any loans on which the guarantee was transferred to the agency from another guarantor, excluding loan guarantees transferred to another agency pursuant to a plan of the Secretary in response to the insolvency of the agency;

(ii) Minus the original principal amount of all loans on which—

(A) The loan guarantee was cancelled;

(B) The loan guarantee was transferred to another agency;

(C) Payment in full has been made by the borrower;

(D) Reinsurance coverage has been lost and cannot be regained; and

(E) The agency paid claims.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1072-1) [64 FR 58634, Oct. 29, 1999, as amended at 71 FR 45708, Aug. 9, 2006; 78 FR 65820, Nov. 1, 2013]

(a) Establishment and control. A guaranty agency must establish and maintain an Operating Fund in an account separate from the Federal Fund. Except for funds that may have been transferred from the Federal Fund, the Operating Fund is considered the property of the guaranty agency.

(b) Deposits. The guaranty agency must deposit into the Operating Fund—

(1) Amounts authorized by the Secretary to be transferred from the Federal Fund;

(2) Account maintenance fees;

(3) Loan processing and issuance fees;

(4) Default aversion fees;

(5) 30 percent of administrative cost allowances received on or after October 1, 1998 for loans upon which insurance was issued before October 1, 1998;

(6) The portion of the amounts collected on defaulted loans that remains after the Secretary's share of collections has been paid and the complement of the reinsurance percentage has been deposited into the Federal Fund;

(7) The agency's share of the payoff amounts received from the consolidation or rehabilitation of defaulted loans; and

(8) Other receipts as authorized by the Secretary.

(c) Uses. A guaranty agency may use the Operating Fund for—

(1) Guaranty agency-related activities, including—

(i) Application processing;

(ii) Loan disbursement;

(iii) Enrollment and repayment status management;

(iv) Default aversion activities;

(v) Default collection activities;

(vi) School and lender training;

(vii) Financial aid awareness and related outreach activities; and

(viii) Compliance monitoring; and

(2) Other student financial aid-related activities for the benefit of students, as selected by the guaranty agency.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1072-2) [64 FR 58635, Oct. 29, 1999, as amended at 78 FR 65820, Nov. 1, 2013]

If any provision of this subpart or its application to any person, act, or practice is held invalid, the remainder of the subpart or the application of its provisions to any person, act, or practice will not be affected thereby.

[87 FR 66055, Nov. 1, 2022]